The man responsible for the 2023 death of the original singer of the band formerly known as the Dixie Chicks in a fatal crash in Texas has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Laura Lynch, the 65-year-old co-founder of the band now known as “the Chicks,” died just days before Christmas in 2023 after a collision in Hudspeth County, located 70 miles east of El Paso.
Domenick Chavez, 33, had attempted to pass four vehicles on a two-way highway when he collided head-on with Lynch’s car. He was traveling between 106 and 114 miles per hour, according to the Office of El Paso County District Attorney James Montoya.
Lynch became trapped in her vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. Chavez’s truck caught fire on impact, and he suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
As part of a plea agreement, Chavez admitted he was driving recklessly when he caused the collision. Alcohol was not a factor in the crash, but Chavez’s license had been suspended following two previous DWI convictions.
“The death of Ms. Lynch caused profound sadness for her family, the Dell City community, and all those who appreciated her music. It is a loss made more acute by the fact that it happened just days before Christmas,” said District Attorney James Montoya. “Our office will continue to hold accountable those defendants who choose to drive in an extremely dangerous manner.”
Lynch founded the Dixie Chicks in 1989 alongside Robin Lynn Macy and sisters Martie Erwin Maguire and Emily Erwin Strayer. Lynch and Macy shared lead vocals until Macy departed in 1992 and Lynch became the lead singer as well as the upright bassist. The band changed its name in 2020.
Lynch recorded three albums with the group between 1990 and 1993: “Thank Heavens for Dale Evans,” “Little Ol’ Cowgirl” and “Shouldn’t a Told You That.” Following a battle with anemia, Lynch left the band and was replaced by Natalie Maines.
The band issued a joint statement immediately following Lynch’s death.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Laura Lynch, a founding member of The Chicks,” wrote members Emily Robison, Martie Maguire, and Natalie Maines. “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.”
