A Texas motorist charged with manslaughter after a deadly collision that killed Dixie Chicks co-founder Laura Lynch has now been sentenced to prison.
The crash happened in December 2023, shortly before Christmas, when 33-year-old Domenick Chavez was traveling on a highway in Hudspeth County, Texas.
Authorities said Chavez was driving with a suspended license tied to two prior Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) convictions. Investigators also concluded he was traveling at more than 100 mph when his vehicle hit Lynch’s car head-on near Cornudas, between El Paso and Dell City, where Lynch owned rental property.
Lynch — the bassist and co-founder of the Dixie Chicks (renamed The Chicks in 2020) — died at the scene at age 65. Chavez’s vehicle caught fire after the impact, and he was taken to hospital with injuries described as not life-threatening.
Investigators determined Chavez was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time, but they did find that speeding played a key role in the crash. He later pleaded guilty to manslaughter, admitting to reckless driving, and was sentenced following an agreement with prosecutors.
On 25 February, Chavez received a 15-year prison sentence.
“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,”
James Montoya, the El Paso district attorney, (via El Paso Times).
“Our office will continue to hold accountable those defendants who choose to drive in an extremely dangerous manner.”
Lynch helped launch the Dixie Chicks in 1989 with Robin Lynn Macy and sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer. During her time with the group, she played on three albums and stepped into vocal duties after Macy departed in 1992. Lynch left the band in 1995, and Natalie Maines later joined as her replacement.
After Lynch’s death, the band shared a statement honoring her and reflecting on their early years together.
“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,” the Chicks said.