As the music world mourns the loss of Laura Lynch - a founding member of the iconic country group The Chicks (FKA The Dixie Chicks) - surviving members of the legendary band have issued a statement.
The talented musician tragically passed away at the age of 65 in a devastating car crash in Hudspeth County, Texas, PEOPLE has confirmed.
The accident occurred on Highway 62 just outside of El Paso on Friday, December 22, when a car attempted to pass another vehicle on a two-way undivided portion of the highway, TMZ reports. The car collided head-on with Laura Lynch's vehicle, resulting in a fatal crash. Sgt. Eliot Torres of the Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed the heartbreaking incident.
Lynch was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the other vehicle was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, according to the department.
The Chicks - who changed their name from the Dixie Chicks in response to societal changes - expressed their shock and sadness over the loss of their former bandmate. In a statement shared on their official social media channels, the group remembered Lynch as a "bright light" and paid tribute to her contributions to their early years.
"Laura was a bright light…her infectious energy and humor gave a spark to the early days of our band," the statement read. "Laura had a gift for design, a love of all things Texas and was instrumental in the early success of the band."
"Lynch's undeniable talents helped propel us beyond busking on street corners to stages all across Texas and the mid-West," the statement continued. "Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this sad time."
Laura Lynch played a significant role in the formation of The Chicks in 1989, alongside guitarist Robin Lynn Macy and sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer.
She was part of the band during the release of their first three albums, including their 1990 debut LP Thank Heavens for Dale Evans, 1992's Little Ol' Cowgirl, and 1993's Shouldn’t a Told You That. While originally playing stand-up bass for the group, she would eventually become the band's lead singer.
While Lynch left the band in 1993, her influence and talent were instrumental in laying the foundation for The Chicks' future success. The band welcomed current member Natalie Maines and achieved mainstream recognition with their fourth LP, Wide Open Spaces, in 1998.
Laura Lynch's untimely passing has left a void in the world of music, with fans and fellow artists remembering her as a talented and influential figure in the industry.
As the investigation into the car crash that claimed her life continues, our thoughts are with her loved ones and fans at this time.
