Laura Lynch has reportedly passed away following a tragic traffic collision.
One of the founder members of the iconic band The Dixie Chicks, Lynch's contribution to country music is legendary among fans.
As first reported by TMZ, the Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed Lynch's death, revealing that the singer-songwriter was involved in a traffic collision on Highway 62 on Friday (December 22), just outside of El Paso.
The outlet reports that the collision took place when a car attempted to pass another vehicle on a two-way undivided portion of the highway.
As the car attempted to pass, it struck Lynch's vehicle head-on. Lynch was declared dead at the scene.
The driver of the other vehicle was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries
Mick Lynch, Laura's cousin, also reportedly confirmed the singer's death to TMZ.
Laura was one of the founding members of the iconic country-bluegrass band, the Dixie Chicks.
Laura's fame was catapulted when she played a pivotal role in the formation of the Dixie Chicks. Alongside Robin Lynn Macy, Martie Erwin, and Emily Erwin, Lynch helped create the foundation for what would become one of the most successful and influential country groups of all time.
Her harmonious vocals and acoustic guitar playing contributed significantly to the band's signature sound. She would record three studio albums as part of the group.
In 1992, Lynch took part in an interview with Entertainment Tonight in which she said she "hopes female harmony" makes a big comeback in music. She also recalled suggesting that the band called themselves the Dixie Chickens, but everyone responded "Ooh, I don't know about being called chickens." And, with that, the "Dixie Chicks" were born.
Despite originally playing upright bass for the group, Lynch then became the sole lead singer on their third independent album, Shouldn't a Told You That in 1993.
She later departed the band in the mid-90s when they signed with Sony Music Entertainment.
While Lynch's departure marked a significant transition in the Dixie Chicks' history, the band continued to evolve and achieve huge success in the country music industry.
Despite her departure from the Dixie Chicks, Laura Lynch's contribution to the group's formation and early years remains an essential part of their legacy.
Our thoughts go out to Lynch's family, friends, and fans at this time.
