PORTLAND, Ind. (WISH) — 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 30-year-old Bekzhan Beishekeev, driving a semi, swerved into the opposite lane to avoid slowing traffic, colliding with the van. The van was carrying Amish construction workers returning home.
The Jay County Coroner's Office 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.
Fifty-five-year-old Donald Stipp, the van's driver, suffered critical injuries, including a fractured spine and cracked rib. He is currently responsive and recovering in the hospital. Authorities said Stipp had multiple surgeries after the incident.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has taken Beishekeev into custody. He reportedly entered the U.S. legally using the CBP One app for asylum. His commercial driver's license was issued in Pennsylvania in July 2025, which state officials confirmed was valid at the time.
Investigators with the Indiana State Police are leading the ongoing investigation, with lane closures reported on State Road 67 during the response and cleanup efforts.