Laura Lynch Killed In December 2023
Laura Lynch, a founding member of the Dixie Chicks, was killed in a car crash on December 22, 2023 in rural Hudspeth County, Texas. She was 65.
The Texas Department of Public Safety reported that Lynch was driving a 2016 Ford F-150 eastbound on U.S. Highway 62 when her truck was struck head-on by a 2022 Dodge Ram 1500.
Lynch was killed instantly in the collision about 50 miles east of El Paso. The other truck caught fire and the driver was also injured and hospitalized. That driver was later identified as Domenick Chavez.
After her time with the Dixie Chicks, Lynch lived a relatively private life in Texas. She divided her time between Fort Worth and Dell City, a small rural community in the west part of the state. She stayed active by managing and maintaining rental properties, and remained closely connected to the local community.
RELATED: The Chicks Mourn Death Of Co-Founder Laura Lynch
Laura Lynch & Her Time With The Dixie Chicks
Laura Lynch was one of the four original members of the Dixie Chicks alongside sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer (who went by their family name, Erwin), and Robin Lynn Macy.
Initially, Lynch played the upright bass and eventually became the group’s lead singer. During her time with the band, they recorded three albums: Thank Heavens for Dale Evans (1990), Little Ol’ Cowgirl (1992), and Shouldn’t a Told You That (1993).
Lynch later went her separate ways and in 1995 was replaced by Natalie Maines. The group moved from bluegrass to mainstream country at the time and eventually renamed to “The Chicks.” Following her tragic death, The Chicks explained the news came as a “shock,” saying they would forever hold a special place in their heart for her.
“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 Chicks wrote. “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.”
Domenick Chavez Sentenced To 15 Years In Prison For Crash Involving Laura Lynch
On Tuesday (February 24), Chavez was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter. As part of a plea agreement, the 33 year old admitted that he was driving recklessly, causing the head-on wreck that killed Lynch.
“The death of Ms. Lynch caused profound sadness for her family, the Dell City community, and all those who appreciated her music. It is a loss made more acute by the fact that it happened just days before Christmas,” El Paso District Attorney James Montoya said in a statement. “Our office will continue to hold accountable those defendants who choose to drive in an extremely dangerous manner.”
According to the DA’s office, investigators determined that Chavez was driving between 106 and 114 mph at the time of the accident.
Chavez was driving on a suspended license when the collision occurred. His license had previously been revoked for failing to comply with DWI-related penalties following convictions in 2014 and 2017 in El Paso County.
His attorney, Manuel Parra, says his client “has expressed profound remorse for the loss of life and for the pain this has caused, and he accepted responsibility by pleading guilty.”