October 4, 2025, just after 10:30 a.m., 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 County Road 500 North, which resulted in the death of a woman from Peru, IN.
The preliminary investigation conducted by Master Trooper AJ Coffee revealed that Jennifer K. Workman, 53, of Peru, IN, was driving a 2020 Chevrolet Blazer northbound on Meridian Road. Also in the Blazer was a passenger, identified as Tiffany D. Baker, 32, of Peru, IN. While attempting to pass another vehicle, the Blazer collided with a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox driven by Neal W. Birner, 62, also from Peru, IN. The Equinox had two passengers: Eclista M. Birner, 89, and Michael V. Birner, 68, both from Peru, IN.
Eclista Birner was pronounced deceased at the crash scene by the Miami County Coroner’s Office. Ms. Workman and Mr. Michael Birner were transported by Lutheran Air to area hospitals for serious injuries. Mr. Neal Birner and Ms. 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 Indiana State Police Peru Post, the Miami County Sheriff’s Office, the Peru City Police Department, the Denver Volunteer Fire Department, the Mexico Volunteer Fire Department, Miami County EMA, Lutheran EMS, Fulton County EMS, Lutheran Air, and the Miami County Coroner’s Office.