Former Ohio State lineman Kirk Barton has been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide after a tragic car crash in Dublin, Ohio. The incident occurred early Saturday morning when Barton, driving a Ford F150 Raptor, collided with a Lexus around 2:56 a.m.
The driver of the Lexus, 24-year-old Ethan Wence Perry, sadly died at the scene. Witnesses and police reported that Barton exhibited signs of impairment at the time of the crash, describing his eyes as “glassy and bloodshot.” After the accident, Barton suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital before being arrested.
According to court documents, Barton now faces one count of aggravated vehicular homicide and is due in court soon. Prior to this incident, he had a history of traffic offenses and was involved in a felony assault case in 2018.
Barton played as a right tackle for Ohio State from 2003 to 2007 and served as team captain during his final year. His college accomplishments include earning first-team All-American honors. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2008 but was released after just one game.
The situation has sparked various reactions on social media. Many are expressing sympathy for Perry’s family while others are shocked by Barton’s past incidents. Insights from experts in traffic safety indicate that driving under the influence remains a significant concern, despite ongoing efforts to combat impaired driving through education and law enforcement.
According to a recent report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 10,000 people die each year in the U.S. due to impaired driving. This statistic highlights the critical need for continued awareness and prevention initiatives. Understanding the impact of impaired driving can encourage safer choices for drivers and ensure accountability.
As more information becomes available about the investigation, the focus remains on the tragic loss of life and the consequences of reckless behavior on the road.
For more on the dangers of impaired driving, check out the NHTSA’s resources.
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