Brian Hartline admitted to drinking before UTV crash, police report states

Brian Hartline was involved in an UTV crash on his property over the weekend and more details emerged from the accident, according to Lettermen Row

Hartline admitted to medics he was drinking prior to the crash. The driver of the vehicle was laying on the ground when deputies arrived at the scene of the crash. Another man, identified as Joshua Gaylor of Lewis Center, told law enforcement that he was partially ejected from the vehicle but did not know if Hartline was ejected.

A report from ESPN’s Blake Baumgartner described the injuries as “non-life threatening.” Hartline was promoted to the offensive coordinator position in January after his impressive success as the Buckeyes’ wide receivers coach.

A Delaware County Sherriff’s Office Spokesperson confirmed the crash occurred at approximately 1:20 AM on Sunday on Hartline’s property near Powell, Ohio. They also confirmed that he was the driver of the ATV side-by-side involved in the crash, according to a report by NBC4 in Columbus, Ohio.

According to Lettermen Row’s report, Hartline’s sister made the 9-1-1 call to authorities after the crash. The Delaware County Sheriff’s Department did not determine if there was criminal offense.

Hartline was initially unable to be interview by police “due to medication administered by the hospital.” However, there was a reported strong smell of alcohol in Hartline’s hospital room.

Hartline was admitted to the hospital after the crash and tweeted an update on his condition, thanking those for the well wishes.

“I appreciate everyone’s support. I crashed my side by side on my property and have been taken to the hospital for further evaluation,” Hartline tweeted on Sunday afternoon. “I am doing well.”

Hartline was crucial in bringing in some of the nation’s premier wide receiver talent through Ohio State’s program. Former Buckeyes’ wide receiver Garrett Wilson earned 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. He was selected No. 10 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, right ahead of his old teammate, Chris Olave, who was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the No. 11 overall pick. 

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, yet another pupil of Hartline’s, is expected to be a first-round pick later this month.

The gifted coach began his college football coaching career with the Buckeyes in 2017. Hartline began at Ohio State as an offensive quality control assistant, but rapidly ascended the coaching ranks ever since.