Dixie Chicks Founding Member, Laura Lynch, Dies in Car Crash

Laura Lynch, one of the founding members of the Dixie Chicks, later renamed The Chicks, has passed away at the age of 65.

TMZ reported Lynch’s tragic death, citing her cousin Mick Lynch, who revealed that the musician died in a car crash outside El Paso, Texas, as she was en route to Dell City, approximately 96 miles east.

The Texas Department of Public Safety later confirmed Lynch’s death, stating that a car crossed over to pass a slower vehicle and collided head-on with Lynch’s car as she traveled in the opposite direction. Sadly, she succumbed to her injuries at the scene of the accident. The other driver reportedly suffered non-life threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital.

Laura Lynch, who played the upright bass, was a key figure in the formation of the Dixie Chicks in 1989, alongside Robin Lynn Macy on guitar, and sisters Martie and Emily Erwin. Despite departing the group in 1995, just before their breakthrough hit “Wide Open Spaces” brought them international fame in 1998, Lynch expressed no regrets about her decision and led a relatively private life.

The Chicks, in a statement, expressed shock and sadness at the news of Lynch’s passing, acknowledging her significant contributions to the band’s early success. The statement reads, “Laura was a bright light… her infectious energy and humor gave a spark to the early days of our band.”

In a 1992 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Lynch revealed the origin of the band’s name, suggesting “Dixie Chickens” after listening to Little Feat’s song of the same name. The band eventually shortened it to “Dixie Chicks.”

Lynch, survived by her daughter Asia, was married to Mac Wells, who won $26.8 million in a lottery during the early 1990s. In June 2020, the band changed its name to The Chicks in response to George Floyd’s death and the subsequent racial protests across America, distancing themselves from the association of the term “Dixie” with slavery.

The music world mourns the loss of Laura Lynch, remembering her as a founding force behind the iconic Dixie Chicks, whose influence continues to resonate in the industry. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and fellow band members during this difficult time.