A newlywed couple who had been married for just 16 days died when their SUV struck a semitruck blocking both lanes of U.S. 20 east of Bend, Oregon, on Nov. 24, 2025. William Micah Carter, 25, known as Billy, and Jennifer Lynn Lower Carter, 24, known as Jenny, were returning from their wedding reception in Idaho when the crash occurred.
The couple had married on Nov. 8, 2025, at a temple in Portland and spent a week honeymooning at Disneyland before traveling to Idaho for their reception. Dennis Carter, father of the groom, described their brief time together in an interview. “There’s never been a happier marriage on the planet,” he said.
A police officer informed the Carter family that the crash in the darkness was unavoidable. Investigators began examining whether proper flares or warning lights had been placed around the disabled semitruck. The truck driver, Rajinder Kumar, 32, of Fresno, California, was initially charged with criminally negligent homicide and later charged with first-degree manslaughter. The charge alleges reckless disregard for safety, but not the intent to take a life.
On Dec. 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a press release placing blame on what they called “sanctuary politicians.” The release emphasized that Kumar had entered the country illegally from India but received work authorization in 2023. The federal statement thrust both families into an unexpected spotlight, with the Carter family from Springfield, Oregon, and the Lower family from Preston, Idaho, suddenly facing international attention during their private grief.
Elizabeth Carter, mother of the groom, expressed her dismay at the politicization of the incident. Becky Lower, mother of the bride, noted that her family remained overwhelmed by their loss when the political attention began. She explained they were still trying to comprehend that their daughter was gone and found the political controversy too much to process.
Kumar remained in the Deschutes County Jail as the legal proceedings continued. His bail was originally set at $100,000 and was later increased to $500,000.
The couple’s relationship had been a whirlwind romance that began in February 2025 when Billy’s brother suggested he attend a scavenger hunt organized by their church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There he met Jenny, and they quickly developed a connection through constant texting. By May 8, 2025, they made their relationship official.
On Aug. 27, 2025, Billy proposed to Jenny outside a temple in Idaho. The couple made plans to begin their life together after their wedding.
Billy Carter grew up with his parents and three siblings before the family moved to Springfield. Jenny Lower was raised in Preston near the Utah border.
Tom Lower, father of the bride, recalled the wedding day at the Portland temple with fondness, noting how the newlyweds appeared radiant with joy. Both families found comfort in their faith, which teaches that marriage continues beyond death and lasts through eternity. This belief provided solace as they navigated their loss while the legal proceedings against Kumar moved forward and public attention continued around the circumstances of the crash.