News Release

PERU — A Peru woman has died after a two-vehicle accident in Miami County on Saturday morning.

Just after 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, officers from the Indiana State Police Peru Post, the Miami County Sheriff’s Office, and the Peru City Police Department responded to a crash involving injuries on Meridian Road, near East CR 500N.

Preliminary investigation conducted by Master Trooper AJ Coffee revealed Jennifer K. Workman, 53, Peru, was driving a 2020 Chevrolet Blazer north on Meridian Road. Also in the Blazer was Tiffany D. Baker, 32, Peru. While attempting to pass another vehicle, the Blazer hit a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox driven by Neal W. Birner, 62, also from Peru. The Equinox had two passengers: Eclista M. Birner, 89; and Michael V. Birner, 68, both from Peru.

Eclista was pronounced deceased at the crash scene by the Miami County Coroner’s Office. Workman and Michael were both transported by Lutheran Air to area hospitals for serious injuries. Neal and Baker were transported by ambulance to local hospitals for non-life threatening injuries.

This is an ongoing investigation. At this time, there are no indications that alcohol or narcotics contributed to the crash. The family of the deceased has been notified.

Master Trooper Coffee was assisted by members of the ISP Peru Post, the Miami County Sheriff’s Office, the Peru City Police Department, the Denver Volunteer Fire Department, Mexico Volunteer Fire Department, Miami County EMA, Lutheran EMS, Fulton County EMS, Lutheran Air, and the Miami County Coroner’s Office.