Jay County, Indiana (February 3, 2026) — Four residents of Bryant, Indiana, were killed Tuesday afternoon in a devastating head-on crash involving a semi-tractor-trailer and a full-size van in northeastern Jay County. Indiana State Police confirmed that Henry Eicher (50), Menno Eicher (25), Paul Eicher (19), and Simon Girod (23) all died as a result of injuries sustained in the collision.
The crash occurred around 4:00 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 67 and County Road 550 East, approximately five miles from the Indiana–Ohio state line.
Incident Details: According to Indiana State Police, the collision occurred when a semi-tractor-trailer traveling eastbound on State Road 67 failed to stop for traffic ahead. Investigators said a second semi-tractor trailer had slowed in the eastbound lane. In an attempt to avoid striking the slowed semi, the eastbound truck swerved, crossed the center line, and collided head-on with a westbound full-size van.
The impact was catastrophic. Emergency responders arrived to find multiple occupants with life-threatening injuries. In an initial release, state police confirmed three fatalities, with additional victims transported to area hospitals in critical condition. Authorities later announced that a fourth victim succumbed to injuries, bringing the death toll to four.
All four individuals who died were occupants of the van and were pronounced deceased either at the scene or shortly thereafter. The identities of additional injured parties have not been released, though police confirmed others were seriously hurt.
Investigation: The crash remains under active investigation by the Indiana State Police Critical Incident Reconstruction Team, with assistance from the ISP Commercial Vehicle Division, the Jay County Sheriff’s Department, and the Jay County Coroner’s Office.
As part of the investigation, authorities are analyzing the speed, braking distance, and evasive maneuvers of the eastbound semi-tractor trailer. Investigators will closely examine whether the truck driver had adequate time and distance to slow safely before encountering the slowed traffic ahead. The condition of the roadway, traffic flow at the time of the crash, and visibility conditions are also expected to factor into the analysis.
Because the crash involved multiple commercial vehicles, investigators are likely reviewing driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and any available onboard data or dash camera footage. Determining whether driver inattention, delayed reaction time, or other commercial vehicle safety issues played a role will be critical to understanding how the collision occurred and whether it could have been prevented.
Indiana State Police have not yet announced whether charges are anticipated. The investigation remains ongoing as reconstruction teams work to establish a complete and accurate timeline of events.
Legal Considerations: Head-on crashes involving commercial trucks often raise complex legal questions. Commercial drivers are held to heightened safety standards, particularly when operating large vehicles on two-lane highways where evasive maneuvers can place oncoming motorists at extreme risk. These cases often involve close examination of commercial driving practices, compliance with safety regulations, and whether reasonable care was exercised under the circumstances.
From a civil standpoint, the Eicher and Girod families may have grounds to pursue wrongful death claims, which can address funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the profound emotional loss suffered by surviving loved ones.
I extend my deepest condolences to the Eicher and Girod families, friends, and loved ones grieving this unimaginable loss.
Source: WTHR