Elderly Texas Couple Missing Since Thanksgiving Found Dead in New Mexico After Silver Alert Issued
LUBBOCK, TEXAS — Authorities have confirmed that an elderly Texas couple who went missing over Thanksgiving has been found dead in a rural area of New Mexico, ending a multi-state search that began when family members lost contact during their return trip home.
According to officials, Charles “Gary” Lightfoot, 82, and his wife Linda, 81, were discovered near their vehicle in an isolated pasture. Investigators believe the couple died of hypothermia after becoming stranded.
The pair was last seen while traveling from the Texas Panhandle to their home in Lubbock following a holiday visit with friends.
Silver Alert and Search Effort
A Silver Alert was issued soon after the couple was reported missing. Authorities said concern grew quickly because the Lightfoots did not have a cellphone, and Gary was dependent on oxygen, making the situation especially dire.
The couple’s gray Toyota Camry was last captured on surveillance cameras in Groom, Texas, and later in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, giving investigators a rough idea of their final travel route.
When they failed to arrive home or contact relatives, law enforcement agencies across Texas and New Mexico began coordinating search efforts. Sadly, their bodies were found near their vehicle several days later.
Cause of Death and Location Details
Officials from the Carson County Sheriff’s Office reported that the Lightfoots’ car had apparently gone off course in a rural area, leaving them stranded in open terrain. Based on the conditions and evidence at the scene, investigators believe exposure to freezing temperatures was the primary cause of death.
Authorities have not released the exact coordinates of the discovery site but described it as a remote pasture area in New Mexico’s eastern region.
Family, Law Enforcement Express Grief
The Carson County Sheriff’s Office extended its condolences to the family, friends, and community members who had been holding out hope for the couple’s safe return.
“Our thoughts are with the Lightfoot family during this incredibly difficult time,” the department said in a statement. “They were deeply loved, and their loss will be felt throughout the Lubbock and Panhandle communities.”
Residents across Texas shared messages of sympathy on social media, many describing the couple as “kind, faithful, and devoted to one another until the very end.”
A Reminder of Silver Alert Importance
The tragic outcome underscores the importance of the Silver Alert system, which helps locate missing elderly individuals—especially those with medical conditions or cognitive impairments—before exposure or other dangers can occur.
Officials encourage family members of elderly drivers to ensure that they travel with a charged cellphone, extra oxygen (if medically required), and emergency supplies during long drives, particularly in cold weather conditions.
The Carson County Sheriff’s Office continues to coordinate with New Mexico authorities to finalize the investigation and assist the Lightfoot family with arrangements.
For more updates on developing regional and national stories, visit NapervilleLocal.com.
Naperville is a community with stories that deserve to be told — both the serious ones about safety and justice, and the lighter ones that capture our culture and daily life. I focus on covering crime reports and court updates while also highlighting the traditions, events, and social trends that shape who we are. Through my reporting, I want to give readers a fuller picture of Naperville — the challenges we face and the character that keeps our city strong.