Tragic ATV Crash: Ex-Penn State Football Star Charged with Homicide After Girlfriend’s Death

Ex-Ohio State and Penn State wide receiver Julian Fleming faces serious charges, including homicide, linked to an ATV crash that killed his girlfriend, Alyssa Boyd.

At 24, Fleming appeared in a Bradford County court where he faced accusations of homicide by vehicle and aggravated assault by vehicle. The tragic incident happened on May 23 near the Pennsylvania-New York border. Fleming hit a deer while driving the ATV at about 8 p.m. Sadly, Boyd, just 23, was pronounced dead at the scene. Fleming was hospitalized briefly before being released.

Reports indicate that neither of them wore safety gear during the ride. Fleming later secured his release on a $75,000 bond, as reported by PennLive.

Court documents revealed that Fleming’s blood-alcohol level was .118, significantly over the legal limit of .08 in Pennsylvania. He reportedly admitted to consuming five or six beers before the accident.

Alyssa Boyd was a promising student who planned to graduate with a degree in psychology from the University of Alabama. Her passions and talents were evident during her high school years at Central Columbia High School, where she excelled in athletics, as noted in her obituary.

Fleming’s attorney, David Bahuriak, expressed condolences to Boyd’s family but argued that no crime was committed. He stated, “The facts don’t support criminal homicide.” In an interview with TMZ, he added that the incident should be seen as a tragic accident rather than a crime, suggesting the prosecution was unnecessary and unhelpful.

Historically, cases like this highlight the complexities surrounding ATV safety and alcohol consumption. According to recent statistics from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 100,000 ATV-related injuries occur in the U.S. annually. Factors such as improper safety gear can greatly increase risks.

The backlash on social media has also been intense. Many users express sympathy for both families while others question the fairness of the charges against Fleming. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers associated with reckless behavior, particularly among young adults.

Fleming began his college football journey at Ohio State in 2020 and later transferred to Penn State, appearing in 16 games during the 2024 season. After going undrafted, he signed with the Green Bay Packers but was cut when he failed a physical shortly thereafter.

In the wake of such tragedies, discussions around vehicle safety and responsible decision-making are more relevant than ever.

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