DUBLIN, OH — A tragic early morning crash has left one young man dead and a former Ohio State football standout facing serious charges.

Authorities in Dublin have confirmed that Kirk Barton, 40, a former offensive tackle for the Ohio State Buckeyes and a brief NFL player, was arrested and charged with aggravated vehicular homicide after a collision that killed 24-year-old Ethan Perry in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The crash occurred just after 1:00 a.m. near the intersection of Emerald Parkway and Hard Road. According to Dublin Police, Barton was driving at a high rate of speed when his vehicle collided with Perry’s sedan. First responders arrived at the scene within minutes, but Perry was pronounced dead on arrival. Barton was taken into custody at the scene without incident.

Witnesses told investigators that Barton appeared impaired and unsteady. Police say preliminary toxicology reports are pending, but alcohol is believed to have been a factor.

Barton, who played for Ohio State from 2003 to 2007 and later had brief stints in the NFL, has remained active in the Columbus area in recent years. His arrest has sent shockwaves through the community, especially among those who remember him as a hometown sports hero.

Family members of Ethan Perry described him as “kind, ambitious, and full of promise.” A recent college graduate, Perry had just started a new job in tech and was described by friends as someone who “lit up every room.”

“This is an unimaginable loss,” said Perry’s mother in a statement. “Ethan had his whole life ahead of him, and now it’s just gone. We’re heartbroken.”

Barton is currently being held at the Franklin County Jail. His arraignment is scheduled for Monday morning. If convicted, he faces up to 11 years in prison under Ohio law.

The investigation is ongoing.