Deschutes County, OR – The communities of Springfield and John Day are mourning the heartbreaking loss of 25-year-old William Micah Carter and 24-year-old Jennifer Lynn Lower, who were tragically killed in a violent collision late Monday night on Highway 20.
The fatal crash occurred around 9:30 p.m. on November 24, 2025, near milepost 51. According to Oregon State Police, a Freightliner truck driven by 32-year-old Rajinder Kumar had jackknifed across both lanes, coming to rest sideways on the highway under dark, difficult conditions. With no active hazard lights or warning equipment alerting oncoming traffic, the roadway became a deadly trap.
William Carter was driving a westbound Subaru Outback with Jennifer as his passenger when the vehicle collided with the jackknifed trailer at full highway speed. The impact was catastrophic. Both William and Jennifer were pronounced dead at the scene, their young lives ending in an instant. Kumar was not injured.
Highway 20 was shut down for approximately seven hours as first responders, ODOT crews, and investigators worked to secure the scene and gather evidence. Darkness and lack of roadway warnings are believed to be major contributing factors. Kumar was later arrested and charged with Criminally Negligent Homicide and Reckless Endangering.
William Carter and Jennifer Lower are being remembered as beloved individuals whose futures were filled with promise. Their sudden loss has devastated the families, friends, and communities who cherished them.
May William and Jennifer rest in peace, and may their loved ones find strength during this unimaginable time.
