The Chicks, formerly known as the Dixie Chicks, are mourning the loss of their founding member, Laura Lynch.
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As reported by the Texas Department of Public Safety, on Friday, December 22, Lynch, 65, was killed instantly in a head-on collision by an oncoming car attempting to pass another on an undivided highway near El Paso, Texas. According to officials, the driver of the other vehicle was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and an investigation of the accident is ongoing.
Mourning the loss of their founding member, The Chicks took to Instagram to honor and remember Lynch with sweet sentiments and a throwback video of the musician.
"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 band wrote. "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,” the post concluded.
Formed in 1989, Lynch was one of four founding members of the band, then known as the Dixie Chicks, along with with Martie Maguire and Emily Erwin (now Strayer), and Robin Lynn Macy, who left the group in 1992.
Lynch played the upright bass and later became the lead singer. Together the quad recorded two albums — Thank Heavens for Dale Evans in 1990, and 1992’s Little Ol’ Cowgirl. Which they followed up with Shouldn’t a Told You That a year later as a trio, sans Robin. Laura left the group in 1995, and was replaced by Natalie Maines, as the band began to veer from their bluegrass roots to more mainstream country.
Take a look at the tribute from Emily, Martie, and Natalie above.