Co-founder of the Dixie Chicks, Laura Lynch dies at age 65

Laura Lynch, a founding member of the Dixie Chicks, died at the age of 65.

Lynch died as a result of injuries incurred in an automobile collision on a highway west of El Paso, Texas, according to TMZ, which was later confirmed by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Lynch’s former Chicks bandmates also confirmed Lynch’s death in a statement on social media.

“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Laura Lynch, a founding member of The Chicks,” Emily Strayer, Martie Maguire, and Natalie Maines wrote in their tribute to Lynch.

“We hold a special place in our hearts for the time we spent playing music, laughing and traveling together. Laura was a bright light…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. Her undeniable talents helped propel us beyond busking on street corners to stages all across Texas and the mid-West.”

Lynch, along with Robin Lynn Macy and sisters Martie and Emily Erwin (now Maguire and Strayer), co-founded the Dixie Chicks in the late-Eighties, with Lynch serving as upright bassist and co-lead vocalist.

They released two albums together — 1990’s Thank Heavens for Dale Evans and 1992’s Little Ol’ Cowgirl — before Macy departed the band, leaving them a trio.