In 1989, four musical women from Texas founded a band called ‘The Dixie Chicks’ and later just ‘The Chicks.’ Those women were Laura Lynch, Robin Lynn Macy, Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer.

Now, The Chicks have released the sad news that Lynch has died. Her tragic death occurred on Friday, December 22, 2023, near El Paso, Texas. She reportedly died instantly in a car crash when her vehicle was hit head-on by another vehicle. She was 65 years old.

According to KCRA, police reported that Lynch was not wearing her seatbelt when the crash occurred on highway U.S. 62. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The other vehicle caught on fire, and the other driver was taken to the hospital. Reportedly, the other driver did not suffer from life-threatening injuries. 

The current members of The Chicks, Maguire, Strayer, and Natalie Maines, posted a tribute to Lynch on Instagram. They shared a video of the country singer performing on stage and included a lengthy caption, writing, “We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Laura Lynch, a founding member of The Chicks. We hold a special place in our hearts for the time we spent playing music, laughing and traveling together.”

The Chicks described Lynch as “a bright light” and added that “her infectious energy and humor gave a spark to the early days of our band.”

 

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Lynch was a founding member of the band, but she only recorded three albums with the band. She played a standup bass, and on the third album, she also recorded vocals. Lynch left the band in 1993, and in 1995, she was replaced by Maines.

The band praised Lynch for helping “propel us beyond busking on street corners to stages all across Texas and the mid-West.” They ended the post by writing, “Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this sad time.”

Watch the video below for more about this tragic news.