A Texas couple was found dead inside their car in New Mexico after vanishing on their way home from Thanksgiving festivities, Us Weekly confirmed.
In a statement, investigators in Texas’ Carson County said Linda and Gary Lightfoot, 81 and 82, respectively, were reported missing on November 30 when they failed to return to their home in Lubbock.
The couple spent their Thanksgiving with family who live about a two-hours’ drive north in Panhandle.
Somehow, the long-married couple ended up dead in the adjacent state of New Mexico in Quay County, approximately two hours west of Panhandle.
The Texas Department of Public Safety issued a Silver Alert for the couple on Sunday and immediately launched a search for them.
They were first reported missing on November 28.
New Mexico State Police used drones and helicopters to locate the couple’s silver 2024 Toyota Camry.
Someone reported seeing the car west of Tucumcari and deputies arrived to find an “inoperable” vehicle in a tree line along the edge of a pasture.
The car was stuck atop a dirt embankment.
Relatives told police the couple reported having trouble finding their way to Panhandle, but eventually made it in time for the holiday.
Gary Lightfoot, authorities noted during the search, suffered from health issues, and was reliant on a portable oxygen concentrator to breath.
Authorities said their car was last spotted near Santa Rosa or San Jon, New Mexico.
Officials have yet to release official causes of death for the Lightfoots.
5 Questions — And Some Possible Answers — Surrounding Gene Hackman's Death
In a statement to KFDA, grieving relatives said the Lightfoots “were genuine and kind people.” Gary was a United States Veteran “who proudly served his country, inspiring countless others with his selfless dedication” and worked as a deputy for the Lamb County Sheriff’s Office before later serving as the police chief in Littlefield, Texas, “protecting and serving his community with courage and compassion.”
The statement noted Gary “worked alongside US military in Bosnia and Kuwait to train their police forces” and was a self-taught wood craftsman who “could do just about anything with a scroll saw.”
Linda worked for an Abilene oil and gas company before shifting to a career in banking. “Linda enjoyed giving cards and gifts for Easter, Christmas, birthdays and Valentines,” read the statement. “She was known for her delicious Neiman Marcus cake. She always said ‘Ain’t life grand!’ She counted every blessing and every day as ‘fabulous.’”
The couple were active members of Southside Church of Christ in Lubbock.
“They showed great love to neighbors, friends and family,” the statement continued. “They would load up every morning no matter the season to take their cherished dog Dixie to run around at the park. As we mourn a great loss, we take away the importance of being prepared while traveling, even short distances, which may save lives in the future.”
While detectives have said they do not suspect foul play factored into their deaths, authorities have asked the public to call the Carson County Sheriff’s Office at (806) 537-3511 if they have any relevant information about the Lightfoots’ deaths.