Man sentenced for deadly crash that killed founding member of Dixie Chicks

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – A man from El Paso County in Texas has acknowledged responsibility for a deadly crash in 2023 that claimed the life of Laura Lynch, a founding and former member of the Dixie Chicks (a group now known simply as The Chicks). Domenick Chavez, 33, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the December 22, 2023, crash that killed the 65-year-old Lynch according to the Office of El Paso County District Attorney James Montoya. As part of a plea agreement, Chavez was sentenced to 15 years in prison after admitting he was driving recklessly when he caused the head-on collision. The crash took place along U.S. Route 62/180 in Hudspeth County. Authorities reported that Chavez was driving a 2022 Dodge Ram westbound when he tried to pass four vehicles at the same time on a two-way highway. While in the oncoming lane, he collided head-on with Lynch’s 2016 Ford F-150. Authorities said the impact caused Chavez’s truck to catch fire and caused catastrophic damage to Lynch’s vehicle, trapping her inside. Lynch died from her injuries. Crash reconstruction experts determined Chavez was traveling between 106 and 114 miles per hour at the time of the collision. Although alcohol was not a factor, investigators learned Chavez was driving on a suspended license. Records show his license had been revoked after he failed to comply with DWI-related surcharges and penalties stemming from convictions in 2014 and 2017 in El Paso County. "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," Montoya said. "Our office will continue to hold accountable those defendants who choose to drive in an extremely dangerous manner." Lynch, who co-founded The Chicks (then known as the Dixie Chicks) in 1989, had left the group in 1995, between their third and fourth studio albums. She was replaced by by current member Natalie Maines. “Former lead singer Laura Lynch was part of the decision and agrees that it was time to pass the baton," reads a statement obtained by the Dallas Observer in 1995, upon news of Lynch's departure.