June 23, 2025 — Columbus, OH
Former Ohio State football standout and NFL veteran Kirk Barton is facing criminal charges following a tragic car accident that occurred Saturday night, resulting in the death of a 24-year-old man. Authorities say Barton, 39, was behind the wheel during the fatal crash and is now under investigation for vehicular homicide and operating a vehicle while impaired.
According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened just after 10:30 p.m. Saturday on Interstate 270 near the northern outskirts of Columbus. Witnesses reported seeing Barton’s vehicle, a black Dodge Ram pickup truck, speeding and weaving through traffic shortly before losing control and colliding with a smaller sedan traveling in the same direction. The impact of the crash sent the sedan careening into a guardrail, killing the driver at the scene.
The victim has been identified as Malik Johnson, a 24-year-old recent college graduate and aspiring entrepreneur from the Columbus area. Family members described Johnson as a “kind-hearted and driven young man” who had a bright future ahead of him. “He was the best of us,” said Johnson’s sister, Kayla, in a tearful statement. “He just wanted to do right by our family and build something for himself. Now he’s gone.”
Emergency responders arriving on the scene found Barton conscious but exhibiting signs of impairment, including slurred speech and unsteady balance. He refused a breathalyzer test, according to law enforcement, but was taken into custody and later underwent a mandatory blood test at a local hospital.
On Sunday afternoon, Barton was officially booked into the Franklin County Jail on preliminary charges of aggravated vehicular homicide and driving under the influence. He has since been released on $100,000 bond and is expected to appear in court later this week. Prosecutors say additional charges could be filed pending the results of the toxicology report and further investigation.
Barton, a native of Massillon, Ohio, was a team captain and starting offensive tackle for the Ohio State Buckeyes during the mid-2000s. He helped lead the team to a national championship game appearance in the 2006 season. Following college, he was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 2008 NFL Draft and spent several seasons in the league, primarily in a reserve role with the Bears, Miami Dolphins, and San Francisco 49ers.
After retiring from football, Barton remained involved in sports media and player development. In recent years, he served as a podcast host and was a contributor to Buckeye Scoop, a popular Ohio State football website, though he had recently stepped away from the public eye.
The Ohio State University released a brief statement Sunday expressing condolences to the victim’s family. “Our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragic incident,” the statement read. “While we do not yet know all the facts, we are deeply saddened to learn of the events involving a former member of our football family.”
The incident has sparked widespread reaction across Ohio, especially among the Buckeye community. Some former teammates and fans took to social media to express shock and sadness, while others voiced anger over the senseless loss of a young life.
Legal experts say Barton could face significant prison time if convicted. “Aggravated vehicular homicide is a serious offense in Ohio,” said Columbus-based attorney Carla Mendoza. “Depending on the level of impairment and other aggravating factors, a conviction could result in a sentence ranging from several years to more than a decade in prison.”
Malik Johnson’s family has launched an online fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses and establish a memorial scholarship in his name. The campaign has already drawn support from hundreds of local residents, many of whom did not know Johnson personally but were moved by the story.
“He was just getting started in life,” said family friend Marcus Taylor. “To have that taken away because someone made the reckless decision to drive impaired—it’s heartbreaking.”
As the investigation continues, the Columbus community is left grappling with a devastating tragedy and a painful reminder of the consequences of impaired driving. Barton’s legal team has not yet issued a formal statement but is expected to address the media following his upcoming court appearance.
For now, a family mourns the loss of a promising young man, while the once-celebrated athlete who caused the crash faces a future that could be defined by a moment of irreversible decision.
