A Palmdale man was killed early Friday morning in a crash on Highway 14 near Vasquez Rocks, officials said.

The 44-year-old man was driving his 1996 Chevrolet north in the number two lane when he was struck by another Palmdale man’s vehicle near Agua Dulce Canyon Road, according to a California Highway Patrol report.

The driver of the second vehicle was identified as Rafael Hernandez, 33.

The deceased driver — whose name was not released Friday — reportedly was backing up in the number two lane when Hernandez, driving a 2005 BMW, rear-ended the Chevrolet.

After the collision, both vehicles reportedly came to a stop several yards away and blocked traffic.

According to the report, when CHP officers arrived at the scene the driver of the Chevrolet was not breathing and they performed CPR.

He was declared deceased moments later, officials said.

Hernandez reportedly complained of pain to his right leg and nose.

Officers shut down northbound lanes of Highway 14 for nearly 40 minutes for cleanup and to conduct an initial investigation.

The crash was under investigation through Friday afternoon; officers believe the collision was alcohol-related.

Friday’s fatality was the 10th vehicle-related fatality in the Santa Clarita Valley since June 22.