“Laura was a bright light,” The Chicks shared following her passing.
Laura Lynch, a founding member of the Dixie Chicks (the now-trio known as The Chicks), has died, TMZ reports. She was 65 years old.
How Did Laura Lynch Die?
According to TMZ, the Texas Dept of Public Safety confirmed her death, revealing the tragic details about the car crash that killed her on Friday, December 22. Law enforcement told the outlet that their initial investigation indicated that Lynch was traveling east on Highway 62 outside of El Paso, Texas. Another vehicle that was traveling west tried to pass the vehicle in front of her on a two-way undivided section of road. The car that tried to pass wound up hitting Lynch’s car head-on and it ultimately killed her. She was declared dead at the scene of the crash. The report states that the driver in the other vehicle was treated at a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
As the news of Laura Lynch’s untimely death began to spread, The Chicks shared a statement regarding her death on social media.
The Chicks Addressed Her Passing
“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. Laura was a bright light…her infectious energy and humor gave a spark to the early days of our band,” the trio wrote.
They went on to praise her creativity and her drive to help the band in its early days, writing: “Laura had a gift for design, a love of all things Texas and was instrumental in the early success of the band. Her undeniable talents helped propel us beyond busking on street corners to stages all across Texas and the mid-West. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this sad time.”
When Did The Dixie Chicks Form?
Laura Lynch was the co-founder of the Dixie Chicks with Robin Lynn Macy and remaining members and sisters Martie Erwin and Emily Erwin. The group was formed 1989. At the time, Lynch was the upright bassist and later became the lead vocalist.
The Dixie Chicks performed around Texas in the early stages of their career and recorded their first album, Thank Heavens for Dale Evans, in 1990. Their second album, Little Ol’ Cowgirl, arrived in 1992. These projects failed to garner much airplay or success. At this point, Robin Lynn Macy left the group.
When Did Laura Lynch Leave The Dixie Chicks?
The following year, they released a third album, this time as a trio with Laura Lynch and sisters Martie and Emily. This project ended up being the last album to feature Lynch. She stuck with the band until 1995 when Natalie Maines joined as the lead vocalist.
Laura Lynch was married to Mac Tull and has a daughter. She is survived by both her husband and daughter, according to TMZ.