Dublin, OH — June 21, 2025: Former Ohio State Football Player Kirk Barton Charged in Fatal High-Speed Crash That Killed 24-Year-Old Ethan Wence Perry
Dublin, OH — A tragic crash in the early hours of Saturday, June 21, has left one young man dead and a former Ohio State football player facing serious criminal charges. Kirk Barton, 40, a former offensive lineman for the Buckeyes, has been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide in connection with the fatal accident that occurred on U.S. Route 33/State Route 161 in Dublin, Ohio.
The collision happened at approximately 2:56 a.m., when Barton—who resides in Lewis Center—was allegedly operating a pickup truck at a “high rate of speed,” according to a statement released by the City of Dublin. As he traveled westbound, his vehicle struck a Lexus that was traveling eastbound. The violent impact left the Lexus mangled, and emergency responders arriving at the scene were unable to save the driver.
The victim was identified as 24-year-old Ethan Wence Perry. Despite the rapid response of first responders, Ethan was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that he was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The full details of the crash, including whether alcohol or other impairing substances were factors, are still under investigation.
Kirk Barton was taken into custody shortly after the crash. While official toxicology results are pending, police reports and witness statements have indicated that speed was a major contributing factor. Barton has been formally charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, a second-degree felony under Ohio law that carries a potential prison sentence of two to eight years, along with license suspension and heavy fines if convicted.
Barton, once a standout athlete on the Ohio State University football team, was part of the Buckeyes’ offensive line in the mid-2000s. He was drafted into the NFL in 2008 and had brief stints with multiple teams before retiring from professional football. In recent years, he had worked in the private sector and occasionally made appearances as a Buckeyes analyst on regional sports networks.
The news of his arrest—and the circumstances surrounding the crash—has sent shockwaves through both the Columbus sports community and the quiet suburb of Dublin. While Barton has not released a public statement, legal representation for him is expected to be confirmed soon as he faces arraignment in the coming days.
Meanwhile, friends and family of Ethan Wence Perry are left grieving a life lost far too soon. Ethan, just 24 years old, had recently graduated college and was beginning to establish his career. Those who knew him describe him as intelligent, kind, and full of ambition. “He was the kind of person who made you feel seen,” said one friend. “He had such a bright future ahead of him.”
A roadside memorial has already begun to form at the crash site, with flowers, candles, and handwritten notes honoring Ethan’s life. A GoFundMe campaign has also been launched to assist his family with funeral expenses and to honor his memory through a scholarship fund or charitable initiative.
City officials and law enforcement used the incident as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving. “This was a preventable tragedy,” said Dublin Police Chief Justin Páez. “We urge all drivers—no matter who you are—to respect the speed limit, obey traffic laws, and never take the privilege of driving for granted.”
The crash remains under active investigation by the Dublin Division of Police and the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office. Additional charges may be filed depending on the results of the ongoing inquiry.
Funeral services for Ethan Wence Perry are currently being arranged by his family, who have asked for privacy as they mourn the sudden and heartbreaking loss of their beloved son, brother, and friend.
As this case continues to unfold, the community watches with heavy hearts—mourning a life lost and grappling with the choices that led to such a senseless tragedy.