Why is former Ohio State player Kirk Barton facing a manslaughter charge? Reason explained

Kirk Barton, a former offensive lineman for the Ohio State Buckeyes, was arrested and charged with aggravated vehicular homicide on June 21, 2025, after a high-speed collision in Dublin, Ohio. Sadly, the collision killed 24-year-old Ethan Wence Perry.

Barton, 40, was a great right tackle for the Buckeyes from 2003 to 2007. He eventually made it to the NFL. The tragedy has hugely affected the victim's family and brought attention to Barton's criminal background.

The crash reportedly happened on June 21 at about 2:56 a.m. ET on West Bridge Street, which is a section of U.S. Route 33, according to Dublin municipal authorities.

More details of Ohio State player Kirk Barton facing homicide charges

Barton was driving a fast Ford F-150 Raptor when he hit a Lexus head-on as he was getting close to the city limits. According to the news release by the city, the police informed that Ethan Wence Perry, the driver of the Lexus, had died by the time they arrived. Barton was taken to the Franklin County Jail after getting treatment at Riverside Methodist Hospital.

It was suspected that Barton was driving under the influence because witnesses and responding police saw indicators of impairment, such as bloodshot, watery eyes and a blank face, as per a report by Fox 28 Columbus.

Kirk Barton is facing one count of aggravated vehicular manslaughter, which is defined by Ohio law as causing a fatality while driving a vehicle in a way that shows a "reckless disregard for human life".

The prosecution argues that this crime requires both impairment and excessive speed. If Barton is found guilty, he will have to spend two to eight years in prison. The court may change the sentence, even if there are negotiated plea arrangements. Bail has not yet been set; hence, Barton is still in jail until his arraignment.

Kirk Barton was born in Naples, Florida, on November 4, 1984. He became famous as a three-year starter at Ohio State. Everyone agreed that he should be on the first team All-American and the first team All-Big Ten in 2007.

Barton served as the Ohio State Buckeyes' senior captain. Barton played on several NFL practice teams before being picked by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. He finally made his NFL debut in the 2008 season.

Court papers show that Kirk Barton has faced challenges with the law in the past. In 2018, he was charged with felony assault on a deputy following a fight at a bar in Ohio. He has also been arrested for driving infractions multiple times, including OVI in 2010 and 2017.

Franklin County Municipal Court has set Kirk Barton's first court date for June 23, 2025. Local authorities said that the inquiry is still going on since they are still waiting for the toxicological results and a full reconstruction of the tragedy.

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The Dublin Police Department and prosecutors will use this data to decide whether Barton's alleged impairment and speed are examples of criminal carelessness. Buckeye Scoop also released a brief statement stating they were sorry about Perry's family and would help the authorities if they found any further information.

There is a community that is still trying to figure out the details of the incident that night. Kirk Barton's athletic career has been threatened by criminal charges that might land him in prison for a long period.

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