JAY COUNTY, Ind. (Local Wire Service) – Four people died in a crash involving two semis and a van on State Road 67 on February 3, 2026.
According to Indiana State Police, the accident occurred when a semi swerved to avoid slowing traffic and struck a full-size van head-on. The van, driven by 55-year-old Donald Stipp of Portland, was carrying five Amish construction workers.
The Jay County Coroner identified the deceased as 50-year-old Henry Eicher, 25-year-old Menno Eicher, 19-year-old Paul Eicher, and 23-year-old Simon Girod, all from Bryant, Indiana.
Authorities reported that Bekzhan Beishekeev, a 30-year-old driver from Kyrgyzstan, was initially taken into custody by the Jay County Sheriff's Office and has since been transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He remains in the Fulton County Jail.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with many Amish community members arriving to offer support. The community of roughly 20,100 residents is mourning the loss, with local businesses considering closing for the funeral services.
Indiana State Police are conducting the ongoing investigation.