Kirk Barton, a former standout athlete in Stark County during his high school years and later excelling as an All-American player for Ohio State University, now faces allegations of aggravated vehicular homicide following a tragic incident resulting in the passing of Ethan Perry.
The unfortunate event took place in Dublin, Ohio, where Barton, a one-time offensive lineman for the Buckeyes, was apprehended and accused in connection to a collision that occurred in the early hours of a Saturday morning, claiming the life of a 24-year-old individual.
The Dublin Police Department responded to a call regarding a traffic accident occurring at approximately 3 a.m. along West Bridge Street, situated just to the west of Franklin Street within the vicinity of Historic Dublin near Bridge Park.
According to Franklin County Municipal Court records, Barton was driving a Ford F150 Raptor pickup truck the wrong way on U.S. Route 33. He then turned around and continued in the right direction on US-33/West Bridge Street at “excessive speeds.”
In the area of Franklin and West Bridge streets, Barton reportedly hit a Lexus IS 250, driven by Ethan Perry.
Perry was pronounced dead at the scene. Barton sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was later released from the hospital into police custody.
Records say Barton admitted to drinking alcohol before the crash.
He is charged with aggravated vehicular homicide and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
The crash shut down West Bridge and North High streets in both directions. The S.R. 161/Riverside Drive roundabout was also closed westbound. Roadways reopened to traffic at 10:15 a.m.
Barton is a former first-team All-Big Ten offensive tackle who played for the Buckeyes from 2003-07. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft.
The crash remains under investigation.
