BRYANT, Ind. — A devastating multi-vehicle crash in Jay County claimed the lives of four people Tuesday afternoon, leaving the small community of Bryant in mourning. Indiana State Police say the deadly collision involved two semi tractor-trailers and a passenger van and occurred just east of Bryant along a busy state highway.
The victims were identified as Henry Eicher, 50; Menno Eicher, 25; Paul Eicher, 19; and Simon Girod, 23, all residents of Bryant. Authorities confirmed that all four men died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash, which unfolded shortly before 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 67 and County Road 550 East.
According to a news release from Indiana State Police Public Information Officer Sgt. Wes Rowlader, a 2019 International semi tractor-trailer, driven by Gert Pretoruis, 44, of Geneva, was traveling eastbound on State Road 67 when it slowed due to traffic ahead. Moments later, a 2022 Freightliner semi tractor-trailer, driven by Bekzhan Beishekeev, 30, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was also traveling eastbound and failed to stop in time.
State police said the Freightliner swerved into the westbound lane in an attempt to avoid the slowing traffic. In doing so, it collided head-on with a 2011 Chevrolet van traveling westbound. The van was driven by Donald Stipp, 55, of Portland. The impact caused extensive damage and led to a chaotic and deadly scene on the highway.
Emergency crews from multiple agencies rushed to the area and worked for hours to assist victims, secure the roadway, and begin the investigation. The crash forced the closure of State Road 67 as first responders and investigators documented evidence and cleared debris. Authorities have not released additional details about injuries to other drivers involved.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and Indiana State Police say more information will be released as it becomes available. Several agencies assisted at the scene, including the Indiana State Police Critical Incident Team, Commercial Vehicle Division, Jay County Sheriff’s Department, Portland Police and Fire Departments, Bryant and Geneva Fire Departments, Jay County EMS, and the Jay County Coroner’s Office. As the investigation continues, the Bryant community is left grieving the loss of four young men in a tragedy that has shaken the entire area.
