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Newlyweds Returning from Honeymoon Killed in Collision with Jackknifed Trailer on Oregon Highway

William Micah Carter, 25, and Jennifer Lynn Lower, 24, died on Nov. 25 when their Subaru struck a jackknifed commercial tractor-trailer that was blocking Highway 20 in Deschutes County, Oregon. The collision occurred around 9:30 p.m.; officials cite darkness and the lack of active emergency warning equipment on the stopped trailer as major factors. The truck driver, 32-year-old Rajinder Kumar, was arrested on charges of criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangering and is the subject of an ICE detainer. Prosecutors successfully raised his bail and say they may pursue more serious charges as the investigation continues.

01:59 AM, 12/04/2025Society
Newlyweds Returning from Honeymoon Killed in Collision with Jackknifed Trailer on Oregon Highway

William Micah Carter, 25, and Jennifer Lynn Lower, 24, were killed on Nov. 25 after their Subaru Outback struck a jackknifed commercial tractor-trailer on Highway 20 in Deschutes County, Oregon.

Crash details

According to investigators, first responders found the tractor-trailer stopped in a jackknifed position, lying perpendicular to both lanes and blocking traffic late that evening. At about 9:30 p.m., Carter's westbound Subaru collided with the trailer at highway speeds. Dark conditions and the absence of active emergency warning equipment on the stopped vehicle were identified as primary contributing factors.

Casualties and response

Both Carter and Lower were pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency crews and law enforcement closed the highway for roughly seven hours while investigators processed the scene and examined what led to the jackknife and why warning signals were not active.

Legal developments

The truck driver, Rajinder Kumar, 32, was reportedly uninjured and was arrested on charges of criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangerment. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security later placed an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrest detainer on Kumar, alleging he entered the country at the Arizona border about three years ago.

Deschutes County prosecutors successfully asked a judge to raise Kumar's bail from $100,000 to $250,000 and to prohibit him from leaving the state while authorities continue their investigation. Prosecutors have indicated they may pursue more serious charges as the case develops.

Family statement

Tom Lower, the bride's father, said the couple had been married just 16 days. They had celebrated their honeymoon at Disneyland and were returning to Salem to settle when the crash occurred. "This is a terrible tragedy, and we wish to see justice served," he told the court.

Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the jackknife and why the trailer lacked active warning signals that might have reduced the risk to oncoming traffic.

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Newlyweds Returning from Honeymoon Killed in Collision with Jackknifed Trailer on Oregon Highway - CRBC News