A Lynden man was killed and a Blaine man injured in a two-car crash near Nooksack Valley High School early Tuesday, July 10, according to Washington State Patrol.

A 1996 Chevy S-10 pickup headed east on Badger Road and slowing to make a left turn was rear-ended by a 1997 Ford F-250 pickup about 4:35 a.m., Trooper Keith Leary said.

The impact crushed the back of the Chevy and caused the Ford to roll onto its side.

Chevy driver Oracio Padilla, 23, died at the scene.

The driver of the Ford, Tanner Tjoelker, 19, of Blaine, was taken to St. Joseph hospital for treatment of facial injuries. He was later released.

Both men were wearing seat belts. They were on their way to work at local dairy farms, Leary said. Their pickups were totaled in the crash.

Investigators listed the crash’s cause as inattention. Charges against Tjoelker are pending, according to state patrol.

Both sides of East Badger Road were closed for nearly four hours for the investigation and cleanup.

Reach ZOE FRALEY at zoe.fraley@bellinghamherald.com or call 756-2803.