Former Ohio State football star Kirk Barton facing charge in deadly car crash
Kirk Barton was driving a Ford F150 Raptor at what local authorities deemed as a 'high rate of speed' when it struck a Lexus in Dublin, Ohio, at roughly 2:56 a.m. ET, according to a press release from the city.
Ethan Wence Perry, 24, was the driver of the Lexus and died at the scene, per the city.
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Police stated that Barton apparently had 'glassy, bloodshot eyes and a blank stare,' per Fox 28 Columbus.
3 Kirk Barton pictured in a mugshot on June 21, 2025.
Delaware County Sheriffs Office
Barton, who 'sustained non-life-threatening injuries,' was released from Riverside Methodist Hospital and was taken into Dublin Police Department custody before being transported to Franklin County Jail.
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According to court documents viewed by The Post, local authorities plan to charge Barton with one count of aggravated vehicular homicide.
Records indicate that Barton is expected to appear in court on Monday.
3 Offensive tackle Kirk Barton of Ohio State prepares prior to action between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois on November 4, 2006.
WireImage
Barton was previously charged with felony assault of a deputy in 2018.
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Court records also show that Barton has had a history of traffic offenses, per The Columbus Dispatch.
The 40-year-old worked for Buckeye Scoop, a media outlet covering Ohio State athletics, which released a statement on X on Saturday.
3 Kirk Barton of the Chicago Bears poses for his 2008 NFL headshot at photo day in Chicago, Illinois.
Getty Images
'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.'
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Barton started at right tackle for Ohio State from 2003-07, and was team captain during his senior season, when he earned first-team All-American honors.
The Bears drafted Barton in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft, but released him after he appeared in just one game that season.
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