Laura Lynch, a founding member of the Dixie Chicks, has died. She was 65.

Lynch was killed in a car crash in West Texas Friday evening, December 22, her cousin Michael Lynch confirmed to CBS News.

An upright-bass player and singer, Lynch founded the Dixie Chicks, now officially known as The Chicks, with Robin Lynn Macy and sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer in 1989.

Lynch and Macy shared lead vocal duties until Macy’s departure in 1993, at which point she became the sole frontwoman. She was replaced by Natalie Maines in 2005.

Chicks members Maines, Strayer and Maguire issued a joint statement on Lynch’s death, saying, “We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Laura Lynch, a founding member of The Chicks. 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 statement added.

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