A former Ohio State football player has been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide following a tragic car accident that occurred on Saturday.
Kirk Burton was behind the wheel of a Ford F150 Raptor, reportedly driving at a “high speed” when he collided with a Lexus in Dublin, Ohio. The city has issued a press release about the incident.
The driver of the Lexus, identified as 24-year-old Ethan Wens Perry, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Upon arrival, police noted that Burton had “glassy bloody eyes and blank stares,” which they observed during their investigation.
Burton sustained what was described as a “non-life-threatening injury” and was treated at Riverside Methodist Hospital before being taken into custody by the Dublin Police Department. He will later be transferred to Franklin County Jail.
According to court documents reviewed, the local authorities are pursuing a charge of aggravated vehicular homicide against Burton.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
Burton, 40, has faced legal issues in the past, including a felony assault charge involving a deputy in 2018, and he has a record of traffic violations.
He was working with Buckeye Scoop, a media outlet focused on Ohio sports, and they released a statement expressing their sorrow over the incident.
“We’ve just learned about the devastating news regarding Kirk’s involvement in a fatal incident,” the statement read. “We are heartbroken for the victims and their families. This is a tragedy. Currently, we are gathering information and will provide updates if necessary.”
Burton was a right tackle for Ohio State from 2003 to 2007 and served as team captain in his senior year. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft but was released after playing in just one game that season.
