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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – An El Paso County resident has confessed to being at fault in a tragic accident in 2023 that resulted in the death of Laura Lynch, an original member of the band now known as The Chicks.
Domenick Chavez, aged 33, admitted guilt to the charge of manslaughter related to the fatal collision on December 22, 2023, which ended the life of the 65-year-old Lynch, as confirmed by the El Paso County District Attorney’s Office under James Montoya.
Chavez received a 15-year prison sentence as part of a plea deal, acknowledging his reckless driving led to the devastating head-on crash.
The incident occurred on U.S. Route 62/180 in Hudspeth County. Reports indicate Chavez was behind the wheel of a 2022 Dodge Ram, traveling westward, when he attempted to overtake four vehicles simultaneously on a two-lane road. During this risky maneuver, he collided head-on with Lynch’s 2016 Ford F-150.
The collision’s force ignited Chavez’s truck and inflicted severe damage on Lynch’s vehicle, leaving her trapped. Tragically, Lynch succumbed to 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 Records show his license had been revoked after he failed to comply with DWI-related surcharges and penalties stemming from convictions in 2014 and 2017 in El Paso County.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.