The Bryant, Indiana, community is mourning the tragic loss of Henry Eicher, 50, Menno Eicher, 25, Paul Eicher, 19, and Simon Girod, 23, who were killed Tuesday afternoon in a horrific traffic accident in northeastern Jay County.
According to Indiana State Police, the crash occurred shortly before 4:00 p.m. on State Road 67 near County Road 550 East, about three miles west of the Ohio state line. Investigators say a 2019 International semi-truck slowed due to traffic, while a second semi, a 2022 Freightliner, failed to stop and swerved into the westbound lane, colliding head-on with a 2011 Chevrolet van. All four victims, who were passengers in the van, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The van’s driver, Donald Stipp, 55, of Portland, underwent surgery overnight and is now reported as stable but in critical condition. Family members have expressed gratitude to the community for their support, prayers, and condolences during this unimaginable time.
The sudden loss of Henry, Menno, Paul, and Simon has left families, friends, and the community in deep sorrow. They are remembered for the lives they lived, the love they shared, and the memories they leave behind.
A GoFundMe has been created to support the van driver’s medical and recovery costs: GoFundMe Link.
May Henry Eicher, Menno Eicher, Paul Eicher, and Simon Girod rest in peace, and may their memory live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved them.
