Friends, family, and members of the bowling community across the country are mourning the loss of an Arlington husband and wife who were killed in a chain-reaction crash over the weekend.
Zachary and Katie Barton, both 39, died after a five-vehicle crash Saturday night on State Highway 171 near County Road 4223 about halfway between Hillsboro and Cleburne, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The couple worked for the United States Bowling Congress, headquartered at the International Bowling Campus in Arlington. It’s where colleagues say they dedicated years to supporting bowlers and helping grow the sport nationwide.
“Even though millions of people bowl, it is a tight-knit community,” said Jason Overstreet, spokesperson for the United States Bowling Congress.
Overstreet said both Zach and Katie Barton made a lasting impact on those around them through their work with youth programs, membership services and tournaments.
“Zach was a colleague who worked here with us in bowling for the last 14 years. Katie also worked here for seven years,” Overstreet said. “They were both involved in membership tournaments, working with kids. Not just here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but at events around the country. They really touched a lot of lives.”
As news of the couple’s deaths spread, tributes and messages of support poured in from across the country.
“Everybody that knew them is in a state of shock, disbelief that this had happened,” Overstreet said. “It all feels so unfair.”
According to DPS, the crash began when the driver of a Ford Fiesta, who investigators believe was under the influence of alcohol, attempted to pass a truck and struck the rear of a farm tractor hauling equipment.
Investigators said debris from the tractor’s load entered oncoming lanes and struck multiple vehicles, including the Bartons’ Ford F-150.
DPS said a 12-year-old passenger from another vehicle exited the vehicle after the crash. The Bartons also got out of their truck. All three were then struck by another vehicle.
Katie Barton was pronounced dead at the scene. Zach Barton was taken to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries, DPS said.
The 12-year-old was critically injured and is in the hospital.
The driver suspected of driving under the influence was also hospitalized. DPS said charges are pending as the investigation continues.
Friends of the Bartons say the tragedy has left behind the couple’s two young daughters, both younger than 6 years old.
The United States Bowling Congress said it hopes to work with the family to provide support during the difficult months ahead.
“The outpouring of love that’s come from not just here, but across the country, of people that knew them and lives that they touched has been really amazing,” Overstreet said. “But it’s all just so incredibly sad.”
Friends and colleagues are organizing a fundraiser to help support the Barton family, and they say details will be released once arrangements are finalized.
For many in the bowling community, the loss remains difficult to comprehend.
“They just really cared a lot about others,” Overstreet said. “Which is part of what makes this so much harder to take.”