Founding Dixie Chicks Member Laura Lynch Has Died, Aged 65

Laura Lynch – a founding member of The Chicks (formerly known as the Dixie Chicks) – has died at the age of 65 after being involved in a serious car accident.

The incident took place in Texas last Friday (December 20), with the news verified by Nikol Endres, a local justice of the peace (as reported by The New York Times). The former artist – who went on to work as a public relations officer – was reportedly driving eastward of El Paso, when a pickup truck headed west crossed into her lane and struck her vehicle head-on. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lynch co-founded The Chicks (under the band’s previous name) alongside fellow ex-member Robin Lynn Macy (who performed lead and backing vocals, as well as guitar) and surviving members Emily Strayer (backing vocals, banjo, dobro and guitar) and Martie Maguire (backing vocals, fiddle and mandolin). She too sang lead and backing vocals, and played bass.

Before she exited the band in 1995 – at which point she was replaced by Natalie Maines (lead vocals, guitar and Omnichord), who remains The Chicks’ frontwoman to this day – Lynch released three albums with The Chicks: 1990’s Thank Heavens For Dale Evans, 1992’s Little Ol’ Cowgirl, and 1993’s Shouldn’t A Told You That.

Strayer, Maguire and Maines honoured Lynch’s legacy in a group statement, 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. 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 midwest. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this sad time.”