PORTLAND, Ind. (WISH) – A serious crash involving a van carrying Amish construction workers and a semi occurred on State Road 67 on February 3, 2026.
The collision resulted in the deaths of four passengers in the van. The Jay County Coroner identified the victims 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.
The driver of the van, 55-year-old Donald Stipp of Portland, sustained serious injuries, including a fractured spine and cracked ribs. He is currently recovering in the hospital, according to family members.
Authorities reported that the semi, driven by 30-year-old Bekzhan Beishekeev, swerved into the opposite lane to avoid slowing traffic, colliding with the van. Beishekeev, a Kyrgyzstan national, has been taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Indiana State Police are leading the investigation. Lane closures were implemented during the response and investigation, but the roadway has since reopened.
Donald Stipp's family has initiated a fundraising effort to support the victims' families, raising over $7,000 as of Sunday afternoon.
ISP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.