Missing Texas Couple Charles and Linda Lightfoot Found Deceased — Details

What began as a joyful Thanksgiving getaway ended in devastation when an elderly couple from Texas disappeared without a trace, triggering a desperate, multi-state hunt against the clock.

On December 2, 2025, the long search came to a devastating end. Charles Gary Lightfoot, 82, and his wife Linda Eppers Lightfoot, 81, were found dead in a remote area of eastern New Mexico. This was just days after they vanished following what should have been a routine drive home.

Although authorities tried their best, how and why they ended so far off their route remains an unsettling mystery.

A Sudden Disappearance

The couple had been visiting friends in Panhandle, Texas, for Thanksgiving on November 27. The following afternoon, around 3 p.m., they left town for their home in Lubbock, but they never made it.

Worried family members quickly contacted the Panhandle Police Department, and by November 30, the Texas Department of Public Safety issued a Silver Alert, launching an exhaustive, all-hands-on-deck search.

Across the border, the New Mexico State Police deployed a helicopter, while the Quay County Sheriff's Office launched drones over vast stretches of terrain. Officers were sent out to canvass every road, alley, and back route.

Authorities were in a race against time because Gary was "oxygen dependent," a detail that Carson County Sheriff's Office called "a threat to their health and safety."

Even more alarming: the couple had no cellphones with them, severely limiting efforts to track their location. And as the hours turned into days, hope began to fade... until a breakthrough finally came.

A Search Ends in the Worst Way Possible

On Tuesday, December 2, law enforcement finally located the couple's Toyota Camry, thanks to license plate readers in Groom, Texas, and San Jon, New Mexico.

The car's GPS system pinged a nearby cell tower just outside of Tucumcari, New Mexico, providing their last known movement.

Authorities descended on the area and made the grim discovery around 10:30 a.m. MT. The Camry had been found deep in a tree line, "high centered" with a dead battery, according to Quay County Sheriff Dennis Garcia.

Meanwhile, the elderly citizens were found in a nearby pasture, both sadly gone.

Panhandle Police Chief Sace Hardman stated that there was no evidence of criminal activity, and the Silver Alert was officially canceled.

Though no official cause of death has been confirmed, authorities believe hypothermia may be to blame. Their remains will be transported to Albuquerque for full autopsies.

A Life of Service to His Country

As news of their deaths rippled through the community, so too did stories of Gary's decades of service. He was a man who had spent his life protecting others.

Before retiring, Gary had held multiple positions in law enforcement, serving in agencies including the Lamb County Sheriff's Office, the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, where he was Captain of the Criminal Warrant Division, and as Police Chief of Littlefield from 1993 to 2003.

According to the Abilene Penny Press, Gary was also a United States veteran and a proud alumnus of Hardin-Simmons University. In 1985, he was awarded Captain of the Year, honoring his exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to public safety.

We offer our sincere apologies to their family at this time. Sadly, they were not the only ones lost this past weekend. A teenage couple, ages 17 and 18, were killed early Saturday morning on Interstate 15 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Authorities say the pair were driving to visit family for Thanksgiving when their vehicle was hit head-on by a suspected impaired driver, triggering a fatal fire. The tragic incident occurred at approximately 1:53 a.m. on November 29, 2025, according to Utah's Department of Public Safety.

Wrong-Way Driver Slams Into Couple's Vehicle, Sparking Deadly Fire

According to the authorities, a gray Audi SQ5 entered I-15 driving the wrong way — southbound in the northbound lanes — via the 600 South off-ramp. The car collided with a black Nissan Rogue near 1900 South.

The Audi was driven by 21-year-old Jose Jimenez, who sustained minor injuries and was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence.

After the collision, the Nissan Rogue caught fire and was quickly engulfed in flames. Both occupants — a male driver, 18, and a female passenger, 17 — were pronounced dead at the scene.

FOX 13 News later identified the victims as Leo Shepherd and Anneka Wilson, a young couple who had been together for three years. They were on their way to Anneka's aunt's farm in Idaho to spend the remainder of the holiday weekend.

Jose was reportedly driving on a learner's permit at the time. Court documents reportedly reveal he admitted he did not feel safe driving. He now faces multiple charges, including automobile homicide, driving under the influence (DUI), wrong-way driving, and violating the conditions of his permit.

Tributes Reflect on the Lives of Anneka Wilson and Leo Shepherd

Anneka, a senior at Springville High School, was preparing for graduation and hoped to study radiology. She had recently been accepted to four colleges. Now, in the wake of her sudden passing, loved ones are remembering the vibrant young woman she was — and the future she never got to live.

According to a GoFundMe campaign organized by her family, Anneka was known for her strong spirit and deep commitment to helping others. She worked at an elder-care home and was remembered for the joyful videos she sent of herself laughing with residents.

She loved spending time outdoors, especially with her dog Jax, and enjoyed old country western music and art. Her turquoise jewelry collection and cowgirl style were considered iconic among those who knew her.

"Words truly can't explain the loss we are feeling. She was just a beautiful, young lady who wanted nothing more in her life then to help others, she loved being outdoors, riding horses," her older brother, Hallister Wilson, said.

Hallister also shared the tragic news in a Facebook post, describing Anneka as the best sister he could have asked for — kind, compassionate, and full of love for everyone around her.

He said she had a gift for caring for others and made people feel seen and valued, whether she knew them or not. He added that she is deeply missed and always will be.

Also on the same platform, Leo's sister, Shantell Shepherd Hansen, said the family is devastated. She described Leo and Anneka as kind, loving, and full of light, adding that their memory would remain with those who knew them.

According to tributes posted on the same donation campaign website, Leo was remembered as a warm, kind-hearted young man whose presence brought comfort and joy to those around him.

He loved the simple things in life — hunting birds with his dad and brother, working on trucks, and helping on the family farm. His family said he was most at peace when outdoors or doing hands-on work that connected him to home.

One of Leo's greatest joys was being an uncle. He adored his nieces and nephews, played with them, protected them, and spoke about them with deep pride. He was known for his gentle humor and steadfast loyalty, the kind of presence that made people feel safe and seen.