A devastating multi‑vehicle collision Tuesday afternoon in Jay County has claimed the lives of Henry Eicher, Menno Eicher, Paul Eicher, and Simon Girod, all residents of Bryant, Indiana, authorities confirmed.
The fatal incident on State Road 67 near County Road 550 East involved a semi‑truck that veered into oncoming traffic and struck a van, triggering an urgent investigation by the Indiana State Police and local emergency crews.
The crash occurred just before 4 p.m. Tuesday when a 2022 Freightliner semi‑tractor trailer, driven by 30‑year‑old Bekzhan Beishekeev of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, failed to stop for slowed traffic ahead.
That semi crossed into the westbound lane and collided head‑on with a 2011 Chevrolet van driven by 55‑year‑old Donald Stipp of Portland, Indiana. All four passengers of the van Henry, Menno, and Paul Eicher and Simon Girod were killed in the impact, according to the Jay County Coroner’s Office.
Henry Eicher, 50, was the eldest of the victims, followed by his son Menno, 25; Paul, 19; and family friend Simon Girod, 23. The trio of younger victims had close ties to the Bryant community, where friends and neighbors described them as hard‑working, close‑knit, and actively involved in local life. The Eichers were well‑known in the rural area, and the loss has stunned families, friends, and residents alike.
Authorities say the force of the collision was severe, and the crash scene drew multiple emergency responders, including the Indiana State Police Critical Incident Reconstruction Team, Jay County Sheriff’s deputies, the Portland and Bryant fire departments, the Geneva Fire Department, and Jay County EMS.
The ongoing investigation aims to determine contributing factors such as vehicle speeds, road conditions, and whether any mechanical issues played a role in the tragic event.
Stipp, the van’s driver, was also hospitalized following the crash with serious injuries. Officials have not yet released updates on his current condition. The driver of the Freightliner was reported to have escaped major injury and is cooperating with the investigation, state police said.
Residents along State Road 67 described a quiet rural community shaken by the tragedy. “These are neighbors you see at the feed store, in church, around town,” one longtime area resident said.
“To lose four local young men in one crash is just heartbreaking.” Local churches and civic organizations have already begun organizing support for the families during this incredibly difficult time.
The collision highlights broader concerns about highway safety, especially on rural roads that see a mix of passenger vehicles and heavy commercial traffic.
Indiana State Police have reiterated the importance of vigilance on two‑lane highways where sudden stops and limited sightlines can increase the risk of serious accidents.
As part of the investigative process, police will continue to analyze physical evidence from the scene, interview witnesses, and review surveillance or dash camera footage from nearby vehicles.
Authorities have asked drivers who may have passed through the area around the time of the crash and have video recordings to contact the State Police.
Funeral arrangements for the four men have not yet been announced, as families have been notified and are making preparations. Community members are planning vigils and memorial gatherings to honor their lives and offer support to grieving loved ones.
The Jay County Sheriff’s Department and Indiana State Police continue to investigate the collision, and officials will release additional findings as they become available.
