Two Lynden residents were killed in a two-car collision on West Badger Road west of Lynden about 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, according to the Washington State Patrol.
The driver of a 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo was westbound on Badger Road near Sunrise Road when he apparently lost control on a downhill curve in heavy rain, Trooper Keith Leary said. The car crossed the center line and careened into the path of an eastbound 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe. The Monte Carlo was hit broadside.
The two men in the Monte Carlo were pronounced dead at the scene. They were identified as Harvey G. Valnes, 65, of Lynden, and his passenger, Shannon R. Valnes, 36, of Lynden. Neither man was wearing a seat belt, according to the incident report issued at 9 p.m. Wednesday.
The driver of the eastbound Tahoe suffered minor injuries, Leary said. He was identified as Robert C. Jamesson, 59, of Lynden. Jamesson, who was wearing a seat belt, was treated by firefighters at the scene and transported to his home, the report said.
The SUV was towed from the scene with a crumpled front end. The Monte Carlo was crushed.
Troopers were investigating if alcohol, speed, heavy tread wear on the Monte Carlo’s tires or adverse weather conditions were contributing factors in the wreck. It was dark and rainy at the time of the crash. Alcohol containers were present at the scene, Leary said.
A portion of Badger Road was closed to traffic for several hours as emergency crews worked at the scene in heavy wind and pouring rain.
Badger Road west of Guide Meridian, where the crash occurred, is not part of an ongoing construction project to improve safety along Badger Road. Those changes, including roundabouts and a speed limit reduction, are being done on the heavier-traveled East Badger Road.
