Fans of the Dixie Chicks are mourning the loss of their fearless leader.
According to TMZ, while driving her car in Texas, Laura Lynch was hit head-on by another vehicle on Friday morning, December 22. Police reports state that the vehicle that collided with Lynch was attempting to pass another car.
The other members of the band, Emily, Natalie, and Martie, have issued a statement confirming Laura’s passing on Instagram. Alongside a video of one of their earlier performances, the band wrote:
“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 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. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this sad time.”