Couple Missing Since Thanksgiving After Not Returning Home to Texas After Family Celebration

Linda and Gary Lightfoot, a senior couple from Lubbock, Texas, have been reported missing since Thanksgiving. Sace Hardman, Chief of the Panhandle Police Department, informed local media that the couples family filed a missing persons report on Friday, November 28, after the pair did not return home following the holiday.

The Carson County Sheriffs Office warned that the situation is urgent, noting that Gary Lightfoot relies on oxygen. Authorities emphasized that the disappearance poses a credible threat to their health and safety.

On Sunday, November 30, a Silver Alert was issued for Linda, 81, and Gary, 82, after the Texas Department of Public Safety joined the search efforts. The Carson County Sheriffs Office shared the couples information and photos on Facebook to assist the public in locating them.

The Lightfoots were last seen leaving Panhandle on Thursday, intending to return to Lubbock, but never arrived home. They were believed to be traveling in a silver 2024 Toyota Camry with the license plate TXLP TWN0925.

Neither Linda nor Gary has a cellphone or other traceable devices, which increases concern for their safety. Chief Hardman confirmed that the couple departed Panhandle around 3 p.m. after celebrating Thanksgiving and failed to reach their Lubbock residence.

Authorities reported sightings of their vehicle near Santa Rosa and San Jon, New Mexico, but subsequent attempts to locate it were unsuccessful.

Descriptions

• Linda Lightfoot: 5'3", 128 lbs, wearing a black and white blouse, a large silver necklace, and dark pants.
• Gary Lightfoot: 5'9", 197 lbs, wearing a gray sweater and black sweatpants.

Silver Alerts are issued to notify the public about missing elderly individuals with medical conditions, often within 72 hours of the initial report. The alert system is designed to help locate persons over 65 who may be at risk.

The search is a collaborative effort involving Panhandle Police Department, Carson County Sheriffs Office, New Mexico State Police, and the Texas Rangers. Helicopters and drones have been deployed by New Mexico State Police and Quay County authorities as part of the operation.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Linda and Gary Lightfoot is urged to contact the Carson County Sheriffs Office at 806-537-3511 or call 911 immediately.

Author: Sophia Brooks