An elderly couple in their 80s tragically died after leaving a family Thanksgiving gathering in Texas, with their family saying the pair likely got lost on the way home. Authorities are still investigating the details of the heartbreaking incident.
Linda and Gary Lightfoot had been traveling back to their home in Lubbock, Texas, after celebrating Thanksgiving with family in Panhandle. When they didn’t arrive home, loved ones reported them missing. Five days later, their bodies were discovered in a rural area of Quay County, New Mexico, according to the Carson County and Quay County Sheriff’s Offices.
A family member, Barbara Scheller, told PEOPLE, “We don’t have much additional information about what happened other than what law enforcement has shared.” She added, “They’d driven the road to Panhandle many times. Somehow they got turned around and lost. They had left their cell phone at home.”
The Quay County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a ranch west of Tucumcari, New Mexico, on December 2 after receiving a possible sighting of the Lightfoots’ vehicle. When they arrived, they found the couple’s car, inoperable and parked near a tree line at the edge of a pasture. Both Linda, 81, and Gary, 82, were found deceased at the scene.
It’s a drive of roughly three hours from Tucumcari to Lubbock.
The New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator confirmed that the couple’s remains are in their care, though autopsy reports, which will detail the cause and manner of death, may take around three months to complete.
The Lightfoots are remembered by their family as warm and devoted people. Gary, a military veteran, served as a law enforcement officer for the Lamb County Sheriff’s Office and later as Littlefield Police Chief from 1993 to 2003. Beyond his career, he was a talented wood craftsman, creating carved animals, crosses, and custom anniversary gifts.
Linda had worked in Abilene in the oil and gas industry before moving into banking. Her family described her as thoughtful and generous, always giving cards and gifts for holidays and special occasions. She also loved keeping her fireplace burning year-round and celebrated each day as “fabulous.”
The couple were active in their church and deeply involved with friends, neighbors, and family. They are survived by their son Gregg, Linda’s sister Barbara and her husband Waylon, along with nieces and nephews. Their family expressed gratitude to the authorities involved in the search and emphasized the importance of staying prepared when traveling, even for short trips.
“Although it was not the outcome we had hoped for, it is evident everything that could be done was done,” the family said. “The outpouring of love and support from so many people across Texas, New Mexico, and other states encouraged us. Thank you for your love and prayers. We will cherish the memories we shared.”
The trip led to the Lord.