Former NFL lineman Kirk Barton, once hailed as an Ohio State Buckeye standout, is now at the center of a deadly tragedy in suburban Columbus.
Early Saturday morning, authorities say Barton, 40, was speeding through Dublin, Ohio, when his Ford pickup slammed head-on into a Lexus on West Bridge Street. Police allege Barton was driving on the wrong side of the road just after 3 a.m. The crash instantly killed 24-year-old Ethan Perry, who was behind the wheel of the Lexus. Perry was pronounced dead at the scene.
Barton, who escaped with non-life-threatening injuries, was taken into custody after being released from the hospital. Officers on scene reported Barton reeked of alcohol and had heavily slurred speech. According to the initial police report, the former Chicago Bears draft pick struggled to answer simple questions and admitted to having “been drinking” before the crash.
“He could barely stand up straight. It was obvious something was wrong,” said a witness who lives nearby and arrived moments after the collision. “You could smell the booze from a few feet away.”
Barton is now facing a felony count of aggravated vehicular homicide, a charge that carries the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence. His arraignment is scheduled for Monday morning in Franklin County.
Barton’s personal life also drew attention in the aftermath. His wife, Kim, posted a Father’s Day tribute to her husband just hours before the deadly crash. “The boys and I are so thankful for you. What a great year and an even better one on deck,” she wrote, attaching photos of Barton with their three young sons.
Barton’s football career began as a star lineman for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2003 to 2007. Drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2008, he bounced between several NFL teams, including the Dolphins, 49ers, Bengals, Lions, Broncos, and Panthers, but played only one regular-season game.
The Ohio State community was left stunned by the news. “It’s devastating to see a Buckeye brother involved in something so tragic,” said one former teammate, who asked not to be named.
Barton’s legal team has not commented on the charges.
The investigation is ongoing, with local authorities urging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward. The Perry family, meanwhile, is left mourning a young man whose life was cut short in an instant.
Stay tuned for updates as Barton’s case heads to court.
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Drink only a little and no drugs at all…
I truly hope this POS loses everything he owns!!! And also spends years in prison. Of course, he won’t because the laws are disgustingly lenient for this heinous crime!!!
plus he’s white & plays f ball. he he we’re a brown person, even legal, y’all be out for his neck.