Zachary and Katherine Barton, both 39, were killed Saturday night after a multi-vehicle crash. Friends say the couple leaves behind two young children.
ARLINGTON, Texas — A community is mourning the loss of an Arlington husband and wife who were killed in a five-vehicle crash north of Hillsboro over the weekend.
Zachary Barton, 39, and Katherine “Katie” Barton, 39, were traveling through the area Saturday night when they became involved in a chain-reaction crash on State Highway 171 near County Road 4223, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
This story continues below.
DPS said troopers responded to the crash around 8:30 p.m. Sept. 5.
Investigators said a Ford Fiesta traveling north passed a pickup truck before returning to the right lane, where it struck equipment being towed by a farm tractor. The equipment detached and ended up in the roadway.
A southbound Chevrolet Traverse and Ford F-150 then collided with objects in the roadway, according to DPS.
The driver and passenger of the F-150, along with a 12-year-old passenger from the Traverse, got out of their vehicles and were standing in the roadway when another vehicle struck them.
Katherine Barton was pronounced dead at the scene. Zachary Barton was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
The 12-year-old and the driver of the Ford Fiesta were both critically injured. DPS said the 12-year-old remained in critical condition.
For friends and colleagues, the Bartons’ deaths are being felt far beyond Arlington.
The couple was deeply connected to the bowling community, where friends say they met and fell in love at the International Bowling Campus.
“Zach always had a smile and Zach wanted to help,” said Jason Overstreet, a longtime coworker and friend of the couple.
Overstreet said he was in his car when a colleague texted him with the news.
“It’s just really difficult to process that they’re gone,” he said.
Friends describe Katie as equally beloved, remembering both her and Zach as people who made lasting connections within the bowling community.
“Heavy hearts and heartache, disbelief. It’s just such a horrible tragedy,” Overstreet said.
Friends say the Bartons leave behind two children, both under the age of 6.
As family and friends grieve, members of the bowling community are now looking for ways to support the children and the Barton family in the aftermath of the tragedy.
“This is right now all so shocking and difficult to process and everyone is grieving, but I know the bowling community will in time find a way to come together and support the family,” Overstreet said.
A fundraiser for the Barton family is currently being organized, according to those close to the family. Details are expected to be shared once arrangements are finalized.
DPS said investigators suspect alcohol may have contributed to the crash. The investigation remains active.