Knoxville, TN (July 22, 2025) – A woman is facing serious charges after a suspected DUI crash early Saturday morning led to the death of a motorcycle passenger and left the driver hospitalized.

According to the Knoxville Police Department, the deadly collision occurred around 1:15 a.m. on July 19 near the intersection of South Northshore Drive and Wilda Place. A motorcycle carrying two riders was struck by a Dodge Durango driven by Beth Ann Howard, also known as Beth Cardwell.

Authorities said 39-year-old Jessica Rainwater, who was riding as a passenger on the motorcycle, died at the scene. Her husband, Nolan Rainwater, was driving and was rushed to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.

Investigators at the crash scene noted several indicators of impairment. According to court records, Howard admitted to drinking before the crash and failed field sobriety tests. Officers reported smelling alcohol on her breath and confirmed she had been drinking at Union Jacks, a local bar near Deane Hill, earlier that evening.

Howard was arrested and is now facing multiple charges, including vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, and driving under the influence. Her bond hearing is scheduled for Monday.

The area around the crash site was shut down for several hours overnight as police documented the scene and gathered witness statements. The Knoxville Police Department confirmed that the investigation remains open.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the Rainwater family during this difficult time.

Motorcycle Accidents in Tennessee

Motorcycle crashes often lead to severe injuries or death due to the limited protection riders have. Here are some factors and consequences that are commonly associated with these accidents:

• Lack of Protection: Unlike cars, motorcycles offer no external protection. Riders are exposed to direct impact, which significantly increases the risk of serious injury or fatality during collisions.
• Visibility Issues: Motorcycles are smaller and less visible to other drivers, especially at night or in low-light conditions. Drivers often fail to see motorcycles when making turns or changing lanes.
• Impaired Drivers Are a Major Threat: DUI drivers pose a heightened danger to motorcyclists, who are far less likely to survive a crash involving a drunk driver. Even small miscalculations by impaired drivers can have tragic outcomes for riders.
• Passenger Vulnerability: Motorcycle passengers, like Jessica Rainwater in this case, are equally exposed during crashes. Even if the driver survives, the passenger may bear the brunt of the impact depending on the crash dynamics.

When a motorcycle accident occurs, especially involving alcohol, it's crucial to speak with our Knoxville wrongful death attorneys as soon as possible. These cases often involve complex legal questions, including liability and criminal charges. Our motorcycle accident attorneys work with families who have lost loved ones or suffered serious injuries to help them seek compensation and justice after a tragic crash.

At DZ Law, we offer free consultations for motorcycle crash victims and their families. We know these cases are emotionally overwhelming and legally challenging. That's why we provide one-on-one attention, taking time to explain each step of the process. Let our team guide you through your legal options with care, diligence, and understanding.

If you've lost a loved one or been hurt in a crash, contact DZ Law today. You can reach our team today at 865-259-0020 to learn more.

Notes: This post was compiled using information from secondary sources, including but not limited to local news outlets, state and local police reports, social media, and eyewitness accounts related to serious accidents in Eastern Tennessee. While DZ Law strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we have not independently verified all details of this incident. If you believe any information in this post is inaccurate, please contact us immediately so we can make corrections and ensure accuracy. Additionally, we are happy to honor requests to remove this post if necessary.

Disclaimers: This accident update is provided solely for informational purposes and is not intended as a solicitation for business. If you have been injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately. Please note that the content in this post should not be interpreted as medical or legal advice. Additionally, the image accompanying this post is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual scene of the accident described.