Julian Fleming, a former standout wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes and Penn State Nittany Lions, is currently facing criminal charges following a fatal ATV crash that resulted in the death of his girlfriend, Alyssa Boyd. The incident occurred on the night of May 22, as Fleming and Boyd were driving down a rural road in Bradford County, near the Pennsylvania-New York border. According to police reports and documents obtained by TMZ Sports, Fleming had a blood-alcohol level of .118 shortly after the crash, which has been cited as a key factor in the charges against him.
Fleming, 24, and Boyd, 23, were driving without safety equipment when they struck a deer, leading to Boyd’s fatal injuries. The Pennsylvania State Police confirmed that the crash was the result of the collision with the animal, but the prosecution is citing Fleming’s blood alcohol level and the severity of the injuries sustained by Boyd as evidence of criminal negligence. Despite the charges, Fleming’s attorney, David Bahuriak, has already expressed his belief that the charges are unfounded, arguing that the facts do not support a finding of criminal homicide.
The case has sparked a discussion about the risks associated with off-road vehicle use and the legal consequences of impaired driving. Police have emphasized that the lack of safety equipment on the ATV also contributes to the severity of the incident. Boyd, who was a student at the University of Alabama, died at the scene of the crash, and her family has not yet made any formal statements about the legal proceedings or their personal experiences with the incident.
Fleming’s football career was marked by significant achievements, including his status as the No. 1 prospect out of the state in 2020 after a standout performance at Southern Columbia High School in Pennsylvania. He played for Ohio State from 2020 to 2024, where he had 79 catches for 963 yards and seven touchdowns in 38 career games. During his time at Penn State, he appeared in 16 games and recorded 14 catches for 176 yards and a touchdown. However, his professional football career was cut short when he failed a physical with the Green Bay Packers and was released as an undrafted free agent.
This incident has raised important questions about personal responsibility, the consequences of alcohol consumption while operating recreational vehicles, and the broader context of road safety. As the legal proceedings move forward, both the family and the broader public will be following the case closely, especially as it has brought to light the tragic consequences that can result from a combination of impaired judgment and unsafe driving conditions in rural areas.