The final journey of a married couple returning from a Thanksgiving family gathering ended in tragedy after they became lost, leading to their deaths. Linda, 81, and Gary Lightfoot, 82, were found deceased on a remote ranch five days after they were reported missing.
The Disappearance After a Family Celebration
Linda and Gary Lightfoot had been celebrating Thanksgiving with relatives in Panhandle, Texas, a journey they had completed many times before. However, on Saturday, 30 November 2025, they failed to return to their home in Lubbock, Texas, prompting a missing persons report.
Despite being familiar with the route, the couple somehow got "turned around and lost," according to family member Barbara Scheller. Compounding the situation, they had left their mobile phone at home, severing a critical lifeline. The most direct route from Panhandle to Lubbock does not pass through Quay County, New Mexico, where they were ultimately found.
The Search and Tragic Discovery
After a five-day search, police in Quay County, New Mexico, acted on a report of a possible sighting of the Lightfoots' vehicle. On Tuesday, 3 December, their search led to a ranch where the couple was discovered. The Quay County Sheriff’s Office confirmed both individuals were found deceased at the scene.
Autopsy reports to determine the official cause and manner of death are pending and could take approximately three months to finalise. The drive from Panhandle to the location where they were found in Quay County typically takes around two and a half hours.
A Legacy of Love and Service
The family has paid heartfelt tribute to the couple, remembered as "genuine and kind people" who left a "legacy of love and devotion." Gary, a military veteran, served with the Lamb County Sheriff’s Office and was the Police Chief of Littlefield from 1993 to 2003. He was also a skilled wood craftsman.
Linda worked in the oil and gas industry in Abilene before a career in banking. She was known for her thoughtful nature, sending cards for every occasion, and for keeping her fireplace burning year-round. The couple were active churchgoers who "showed great love to neighbours, friends and family."
They are survived by their son, Gregg, Linda’s sister Barbara and her husband Waylon, and several nieces and nephews. In the wake of the tragedy, the family has expressed gratitude to the search authorities and underscored a vital message for all travellers: being prepared while traveling, even on short, familiar journeys, can save lives.
