By Crash News Writer 
Deschutes County, OR (November 28, 2025) – Two young adults lost their lives in a deadly head-on collision involving a jackknifed semi-truck and a passenger vehicle on Highway 20 late Monday night.
According to the Oregon State Police , the fatal incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on November 24, 2025, near milepost 51 on Highway 20. A commercial Freightliner truck operated by 32-year-old Rajinder Kumar of Fresno, California, had jackknifed across both lanes of the highway, leaving the trailer blocking westbound traffic.
William Micah Carter, 25, of Springfield, was driving a Subaru Outback westbound when the vehicle struck the side of the trailer at highway speed. Both Carter and his passenger, 24-year-old Jennifer Lynn Lower of John Day, were pronounced dead at the scene. The truck driver was not injured in the crash.
Emergency crews from Bend Fire and Rescue, Oregon Department of Transportation, and Oregon State Police responded to the scene. The highway was closed for approximately seven hours during the investigation and cleanup.
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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article is based on information from official sources and may be updated as more facts emerge. For further insight into these types of cases, view our frequently asked questions in Oregon .
- William Micah Carter and Jennifer Lynn Lower were both declared deceased at the crash scene.
- The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are evaluating road conditions, truck positioning, and other contributing factors.
- Highway 20 remained closed for several hours while officials worked to clear the area and document evidence.
For additional help navigating such tragedies, explore these accident resources in Oregon .
This content is intended purely for informational purposes and should not be taken as legal or medical advice. As law enforcement continues to investigate, updates may follow. Those impacted should speak with a qualified attorney. View our full disclaimer.
If your family has experienced the loss of a loved one in a truck-related crash, reach out to a trusted Oregon personal injury lawyer today to protect your rights and pursue justice.