Driver Who Hit Dixie Chicks' Laura Lynch Tested For Drugs & Alcohol

The law is coming for the individual operating the truck that struck Laura Lynch, resulting in her death on Friday, December 22.

According to new reports, the driver is currently under investigation for potential criminal charges related to drunk driving. Lynch's death was confirmed by her cousin.

Exactly a week after the founding member of the country music group the Dixie Chicks' passed away, authorities have launched an investigation. 

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety PIO, Sgt. Eliot Torres, they are actively investigating to determine whether the driver responsible for the crash was under the influence at the time of the accident, given the loss of life.

They confirmed that the driver underwent blood testing for drugs and alcohol at the hospital and the results will only be disclosed once a judge approves the subpoena drafted by investigators. 

Should the results indicate the presence of drugs or alcohol, investigators may pursue charges against the driver. Based on scene analysis and witness statements, the driver could potentially face additional charges such as reckless driving or unsafe lane change. 

However, the specific charges will depend on the findings of the investigation, per Torres' words to TMZ. As previously reported, an eyewitness provided details about the incident, claiming that the truck entered Lynch's lane while attempting to pass two other cars, resulting in a head-on collision on Highway 62 outside of El Paso, Texas. 

Distressing images from the crash depict the severe damage to the late 65-year-old's car. Proof of the aftermath of the fatal accident was seen in a viral video shared on TikTok.

In the clip, smoke is seen pouring from Lynch's vehicle, leading a driver who had halted behind the crash to cut the country star's seatbelt and rescue her from the car. 

The driver of the other vehicle was quickly taken to a hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening, while Lynch was unfortunately declared dead at the scene. As her cousin Mick Lynch recalled, the "Cowboy Take Me Away" hitmaker was traveling from El Paso to Dell City at the time of the accident.

In a tribute issued after Lynch's passing, members of her former band characterized her as a "bright light," noting that "her infectious energy and humor brought a spark to the early days of our band."

The statement, signed by Maines, Maguire, and Strayer, declared that "Laura had a gift for design, a love of all things Texas, and was instrumental in the early success of the band," adding:

"Her undeniable talents helped propel us beyond busking on street corners to stages all across Texas and the mid-West." 

During her time, Lynch co-founded the Dixie Chicks, now known as the Chicks, in 1989, alongside Robin Lynn Macy and two sisters, Emily Strayer and Martie Maguire.

Serving as the upright bassist and vocalist, she contributed massively to the girl group's three albums released from 1990 to 1993: "Thank Heavens for Dale Evans," "Little Ol' Cowgirl," and "Shouldn't a Told You That." Her time with the group came to an end when Natalie Maines assumed the lead vocalist position in 1995. 

In a 1992 interview, Lynch conveyed to director Jim Ruddy that the band was a collaborative effort, expressing her hope for a rebirth of female harmony in music. 

When discussing the formation of the all-female country music band, the "Goodbye Earl" singer explained that the group was driving around listening to rock band Little Feat, and the lyrics featuring "Dixie Chicken" inspired the name.

She mentioned that there was a suggestion to name the band the 'Dixie Chickens,' but the response was hesitant with remarks like "Ooh, I don't know about being called chickens." As a result, the girls decided to shorten it to "Dixie Chicks." 

As for the change of name,  the group, renowned for their intense harmonies and guitar playing, opted to rebrand as "The Chicks" in June 2020.

Aside from coinciding with the history of racial injustice in the United States following the killing of George Floyd, the name change reminded people that the term "Dixie" had frequently been linked to the slavery era.