Former Ohio State University football standout Kirk Barton, 40, has been arrested and charged with aggravated vehicular homicide following a high-speed collision that claimed the life of 24-year-old Ethan Wence Perry early Saturday morning. The crash occurred around 2:56 a.m. near the intersection of West Bridge Street and North High Street in Dublin, just west of Franklin Street.
According to the Dublin Police Department, Barton was behind the wheel of a Ford F-150 Raptor, traveling eastbound on U.S. 33/Ohio 161 at a high rate of speed when he collided nearly head-on with Perry’s Lexus, which was driving eastbound on West Bridge Street.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene but tragically pronounced Perry dead at the location. Authorities confirmed that Barton sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at Riverside Methodist Hospital. He was later released and taken into custody at Franklin County Jail.
The fatal incident prompted extensive road closures around the intersection and the westbound Ohio 161/Riverside Drive roundabout. The affected routes remained shut down for several hours before reopening to the public at approximately 10:15 a.m., according to an official update from the Dublin Police Department.
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Barton, a native of Lewis Center, Ohio, has long been in the public eye. He played collegiate football at Ohio State University, where he excelled as a right tackle from 2003 to 2007. His outstanding performance in 2007 earned him All-American honors, a testament to his prominence on the football field.
In his professional career, Barton briefly played in the NFL before transitioning into sports media and analysis. He went on to become a contributor for Buckeye Scoop, a popular Ohio State football news platform. On Saturday, the platform released a statement via X expressing their sorrow and solidarity with those affected.
“We just learned of the devastating news regarding Kirk’s involvement in a fatal incident,” the statement read. “We are heartbroken for the victim and their loved ones. This is a tragedy. At this time, we are gathering information and will have more to say when appropriate.”
As the city of Dublin grapples with the aftermath of the crash, questions are being raised regarding Barton’s speed and conduct prior to the collision. Authorities suspect excessive speed as a key factor in the crash, but investigations into whether impairment contributed to the incident are still underway.
The charge of aggravated vehicular homicide is reserved for cases where a driver causes a fatality under circumstances involving gross negligence or intoxication.
This shocking event has sent ripples through the community—especially within the Buckeye Nation. Many Ohio State fans, teammates, and local observers are wrestling with both sorrow for the deceased and disbelief regarding Barton’s alleged actions. While some have reflected on Barton’s athletic achievements and community contributions, others have emphasized accountability and justice for Perry and his family.
The identity of the deceased, Ethan Wence Perry, has not been publicly explored in media reports, but online tributes from community members recall him as a young man with much promise and a bright future ahead. As more information unfolds, his family and loved ones will be seeking closure in a legal process that will determine the extent of Barton’s responsibility.
Legal experts note that aggravated vehicular homicide in Ohio may carry severe penalties, including prison time and permanent loss of driving privileges. If investigators confirm that Barton’s speed and conduct violated Ohio traffic and safety laws, the case could culminate in a high-profile courtroom battle.
For now, Dublin Police continue to investigate, gathering evidence from the site and reviewing data on speed, vehicle dynamics, and driver behavior. Barton’s arraignment is expected to take place in the coming days, offering the first opportunity for public court proceedings and a more detailed release of facts.
