The Chicks pay tribute to late founding member Laura Lynch
The Chicks paid tribute to Dixie Chicks founding member Laura Lynch, who tragically died in a car crash at the age of 65.
Laura Lynch has died in a car crash at the age of 65.
The musician was a founding member of country band The Dixie Chicks - later renamed The Chicks - and performed as their lead singer in the early days of the group and she was killed in a collision on December 22, her cousin Mick Lynch has confirmed to TMZ.
The outlet claimed she was killed "outside of El Paso, TX just after sunset while driving from there to nearby Dell City" when she had been driving on a highway and got into a collision.
As a founding member of the group, Laura released a string of albums along with sisters Emily Strayer and Martie Maguire from 1990 but was replaced by Natalie Maines when she quit in 1993, choosing never to explicitly discuss her reasons for walking away from the band.
The Dixie Chicks - who also originally featured vocalist-and-guitarist Robin Lynn Macy - are best known for their hits like 'Long Time Gone' and ' You Were Mine'.
The current line-up of The Chicks - Martie, Emily and singer-and-guitarist Natalie Maines - were quick to pay tribute to their former co-star, noting their "shock" at the tragedy.
In a statement, they said: "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. Laura was a bright light…her infectious energy and humor gave a spark to the early days of our band."
The statement added that Laura had been "instrumental" in their early success and noted that her "undeniable talent" had played a major part in helping the band reach the heights of fame.
It continued: "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."
Laura is survived by her husband Mac Tull - whom she tied the knot with in 1997 - and their daughter, Asia.
