Kirk Barton, a former offensive lineman for the Ohio State Buckeyes and NFL alum, has been charged in connection with a fatal car crash that occurred in Dublin, Ohio, on Saturday, June 21. The crash has resulted in the death of 24-year-old Ethan Wence Perry, the driver of a Lexus.
Fatal Crash Details
The incident took place at around 2:56 a.m. local time, when Barton, 40, was driving a Ford F150 Raptor pickup truck. Authorities believe Barton was driving at a “high rate of speed” when he struck Perry’s vehicle, which was traveling eastbound on West Bridge Street. Perry, who was 24 years old, died at the scene, according to a news release from the city of Dublin.
Barton sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the crash and was initially treated at Riverside Methodist Hospital. He was later taken into custody by Dublin Police and transported to the Franklin County Jail. Barton has been charged with one count of aggravated vehicular homicide.
Road Closures and Legal Proceedings
Following the crash, several roads in the area were shut down, including West Bridge Street and North High Street, as well as the westbound S.R. 161/Riverside Drive roundabout. The roadways were reopened by 10:15 a.m. the same morning.
Barton is scheduled to appear at the Franklin County Municipal Court on Monday, June 23. His offense, aggravated vehicular homicide, is listed in the court records, but no bond amount has been set as of June 21.
Reaction and Background
The news of Barton’s involvement in the fatal crash has shocked the Ohio State football community. Buckeye Scoop, a website dedicated to Ohio State sports, expressed their heartbreak on social media, stating, “We just learned of the devastating news regarding Kirk’s involvement in a fatal incident. We are heartbroken for Ethan Perry and his loved ones. This is a tragedy.”
Barton, a former standout at Ohio State, played from 2003 to 2007, starting at right tackle for four seasons and serving as the team captain in 2007. He was named a first-team All-American in 2007 and started in two national championship games.
After college, Barton was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He later joined multiple other teams’ practice squads and training camps but never played in a regular-season NFL game.
History of Traffic Offenses
Records from Franklin County Municipal Court indicate that Barton has a history of traffic offenses. The details surrounding these violations have not been fully disclosed at this time.
The tragic incident has left both the local community and Ohio State fans in shock. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on the life lost and the lasting impact of this devastating accident. Barton’s legal case is set to continue, and the community mourns the loss of Ethan Perry while awaiting further updates.
