Ethan Perry Car Accident: 24-Year-Old Dublin, Ohio Man Has Passed Away Following Tragic Crash Involving Former Ohio State Football Player Kirk Barton

 The city of Dublin, Ohio is reeling after the devastating loss of 24-year-old Ethan Wence Perry, who tragically passed away in a high-speed car accident during the early hours of Saturday, June 22, 2025. The collision occurred near the intersection of West Bridge Street and North High Street, a bustling area just west of Franklin Street, and involved former Ohio State University football standout Kirk Barton, who has since been arrested and charged with aggravated vehicular homicide.

According to official statements from the Dublin Police Department, the fatal incident took place around 2:56 a.m. Barton, 40, was driving a Ford F-150 Raptor eastbound on U.S. 33/Ohio 161 at an extremely high speed when he collided nearly head-on with Ethan Perry’s Lexus. The impact was severe, and despite the rapid response of emergency personnel, Ethan was pronounced dead at the scene. Barton was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at Riverside Methodist Hospital before being taken into custody and booked at the Franklin County Jail.

The crash prompted significant road closures in the surrounding area, including West Bridge Street and the Ohio 161/Riverside Drive roundabout. Streets remained shut down for several hours as investigators worked the scene, finally reopening to the public at approximately 10:15 a.m. that morning.

The arrest of Kirk Barton has sent shockwaves across Ohio, particularly among Ohio State football fans. Barton was well known as a former offensive lineman for the Buckeyes, where he played from 2003 to 2007 and earned All-American honors in his final season. After a short-lived NFL career, he transitioned to sports media, eventually becoming a notable voice on Buckeye Scoop, a popular Ohio State football platform. In a public statement, Buckeye Scoop expressed their condolences, stating, “We are heartbroken for the victim and their loved ones. This is a tragedy. We are gathering information and will speak more when appropriate.”

As the community mourns the loss of Ethan Perry, attention has turned to the nature of the crash. Preliminary reports point to excessive speed as a key contributing factor, but investigators have not ruled out other elements, such as potential impairment. The charge of aggravated vehicular homicide is a serious one in the state of Ohio and is typically brought forward when a driver’s actions involve gross negligence or recklessness that directly results in a fatality. If found guilty, Barton could face substantial prison time, a permanent revocation of his driving privileges, and other legal consequences.

While the incident has made headlines due to Barton’s public profile, the real heart of this story is the life of Ethan Perry—a young man full of promise and potential whose journey was cut tragically short. Friends, neighbors, and community members who knew Ethan have taken to social media to remember him as kind, hardworking, and full of life. Though media coverage has been largely focused on the legal proceedings surrounding Barton, those closest to Ethan are calling for respect, compassion, and a focus on honoring his memory.

Ethan’s sudden death has not only devastated his family but has also ignited larger conversations about the responsibilities of public figures, the dangers of reckless driving, and the fragility of life. Many in the Buckeye Nation find themselves conflicted—grieving for the victim while also grappling with the fall from grace of a once-celebrated football hero. The tragedy serves as a painful reminder that even the most celebrated individuals must be held accountable when lives are lost due to negligent actions.

As the legal process moves forward, investigators continue to examine evidence from the crash site, analyze vehicle data, and prepare for Barton’s upcoming arraignment. This initial court appearance will mark the beginning of what could become a lengthy and emotionally charged legal battle—one that Ethan Perry’s family will have to endure while still coming to terms with the loss of their beloved son, friend, and loved one.

Ethan's life, though short, had meaning and impact. His family and friends now face the difficult road ahead, not only of grieving but of pursuing justice in a system that must balance accountability with fairness. In this time of profound sorrow, the community is called to unite—offering support, extending grace, and remembering what matters most: the value of a single life and the deep pain of its loss.

Rest in peace, Ethan Perry. Your life mattered, and your memory will never be forgotten.