Former Ohio State Football Player and NFL Alum Kirk Barton Charged Following Fatal Car Crash

Former Ohio State Football Player Kirk Barton Faces Charges After Fatal Crash

Former Ohio State football player Kirk Barton has been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide following a fatal car crash in Dublin, Ohio. The incident occurred on Saturday, June 21, around 2:56 a.m. local time when Barton, a 40-year-old resident of Lewis Center, was driving a pickup truck at a high speed and collided with a Lexus traveling eastbound on U.S. 33/S.R. 161. The driver of the Lexus, 24-year-old Ethan Wence Perry, tragically passed away at the scene.

According to a news release from the city of Dublin, Barton sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the crash. After being treated at Riverside Methodist Hospital, he was taken into custody by the Dublin Police Department and later transported to Franklin County Jail. Authorities have announced their intention to charge Barton with one count of aggravated vehicular homicide.

Following the collision, several roads in the vicinity, including West Bridge Street and North High Street, were temporarily closed in both directions. Additionally, the westbound S.R. 161/Riverside Drive roundabout was shut down until all roadways were reopened at around 10:15 a.m. on the same day.

Barton is scheduled to appear at the Franklin County Municipal Court on Monday, June 23. As of June 21, the online records on the jail’s website listed his offence as “aggravated vehicular homicide,” with no bond amount specified at that time. The football community has been deeply affected by the tragic incident, with sentiments of sadness and condolences pouring in for the victim, Ethan Perry, and his family.

Having played for Ohio State from 2003 to 2007, Barton was a prominent figure in the football scene, serving as the team captain in 2007 and earning first-team All-American honours that same year. He went on to be drafted by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL draft, subsequently joining various other teams’ practice squads and training camps in his professional career.

Reports from the Columbus Dispatch indicate that Barton has a history of traffic offences. The Buckeye community and fans are still processing the shocking news, with many expressing their sadness and disbelief at the tragic turn of events involving a former star player.

True Crime enthusiasts can stay updated with the latest developments by subscribing to PEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletter, which covers breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage, and intriguing unsolved cases. The legal proceedings following Barton’s charges are expected to shed more light on the events leading up to the fatal crash and provide closure for the affected parties.

The untimely loss of Ethan Perry has left a void in the hearts of many, and as the case unfolds, the focus remains on seeking justice and understanding the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident. Bartons future will depend on the outcome of the court proceedings and the implications of the aggravated vehicular homicide charge he currently faces.

The former football player’s journey from the athletic field to the courtroom highlights the complexities and consequences of such tragic events, serving as a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety and responsible driving practices. The case will continue to be closely monitored as it progresses through the legal system, with more details expected to emerge in the coming days.