The Chicago country music community is in mourning following the loss of one of its brightest and beloved stars.
In 2015, Lindsey Lagestee founded a country cover band called Dixie Crush. She served as its frontwoman while also working as a pharmacist after graduating from Midwestern University.
Since its inception, Dixie Crush has played over 250 shows for crowds of all sizes. A new show was scheduled for Valentine’s Day at the Firewater Saloon in Chicago.
But before the group took to the stage, tragedy struck.
This one hits close to home. My sincere sympathies to the @DixieCrush family…https://t.co/MxlMKyFQ9D
— tricia despres (@CHIwriter) February 20, 2020
Dixie Crush member Jim Nonneman spoke to Taste of Country about what unfolded on that terrible night. He said Lagestee arrived for the show and “…had just parked a couple of blocks down [from] the club we were scheduled to play.”
That’s when the normal night turned into a nightmare. “She exited her pickup truck and was making her way to the venue when she was struck by a car,” Nonneman said.
Lagestee was taken to the Advocate Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn to receive treatment. Sadly, she succumbed to her injuries, and passed away on Monday (February 17). She was 25 years old.
Her bandmates remembered her through a statement posted to their official Facebook page. They recognized her talent, but above all else, they made it clear they’ll remember her for her kindness and friendly personality.
“Above and beyond her beautiful voice, Lindsey just had a way of connecting with every audience leaving an indelible impression,” read the statement. “Not only would she give an amazing performance, but after every show, Lindsey would come offstage, take time to meet anyone who wanted to say hi, take pictures, and build friendships.”
https://www.facebook.com/DixieCrush/photos/a.1476270139286262/2378765725703361/?type=3&theater
Lagestee is survived by her parents, Linda and Vaughn, her sisters, Lauren, Carrie, and Samantha, her nieces and nephews, Andrew, Colin, Danielle, Alexander, and Amber, and her boyfriend, Kevin.
Dixie Crush shared a GoFundMe fundraiser one of their friends set up to help Lagestee’s family with funeral expenses. If you’d like to contribute to the fundraiser, you can do so by visiting this link here.
Our hearts and prayers go out to Lagestee’s family, friends, bandmates, and all who loved her. May she rest in peace.
You can remember Lagestee and honor her legacy by watching one of her performances below.