Laura Lynch, founding member of The Chicks, was killed in a car accident on December 22nd.
Laura Lynch, who founded the Dixie Chicks alongside Robin Lynn Macy and sisters Martie McGuire and Emily Strayer, was killed when her car was hit head-on by an oncoming car. According to Sgt. Eliot Torres of the Texas Department of Public Safety, an oncoming car attempted to pass another on a highway near El Paso when it struck the Ford F-150 Lynch was driving. She was 65 years old when she died.
The driver of the at-fault vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for observation.
The driver who fatally struck Laura Lynch is being investigated for potential criminal charges.
Sgt. Torres told TMZ that because there was a fatality, they’re working to determine whether or not the driver was under the influence at the time of the collision. It was confirmed that the driver had their blood drawn at the hospital for drug and alcohol testing and that results will not be released by the hospital until a judge signs off on the subpoena provided by investigators.
The driver may already face charges like reckless driving or unsafe lane change, however, if test results prove the presence of drugs and/or alcohol, investigators may pursue more severe charges.
The video below shows the aftermath of the crash.
The current “Chicks” members speak out after Laura Lynch’s death.
Following Lynch’s death, The Chicks released a statement on social media to express their grief. They shared:
“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. 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.”
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Further information is not known at this time. Check back for updates.