Laura Lynch, a founding member of the country music band once known as Dixie Chicks, now The Chicks, was killed in a tragic car accident near El Paso, Texas. Lynch, 65, perished after a head-on collision on U.S. Highway 62 last Friday.
The fatal incident occurred when the driver of another pickup truck, attempting to pass on a two-way undivided highway, collided with Lynch's truck, as KXAN reported. Laura Caroline Lynch, recognized for her role in shaping the early sound of the chart-topping group, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her former bandmates have expressed their heartache over the loss.
In a heartfelt social media statement, The Chicks reflected on Lynch's influence: "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 group credited the late musician as "instrumental" to their early success.
The other vehicle involved in the collision caught fire, and while the driver survived with non-life-threatening injuries, nothing could be done to stave off the tragedy that claimed Lynch's life. The highway was subsequently shut down for several hours into early Saturday morning.
The Chicks, who achieved massive success with their 1998 major label debut "Wide Open Spaces," reminisced on Lynch's critical role as the group's bassist and main vocalist before her departure in 1995. The Straits Times quoted The Chicks: "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."
As of now, the crash remains under investigation, with details still emerging.
