Couple Missing Since Thanksgiving After Failing to Return Home to Texas Following Family Celebration

Authorities in Texas are asking for the public’s help in locating an elderly couple who vanished after leaving a small town on Thanksgiving.

On Sunday, Nov. 30, officials issued a Silver Alert for 81-year-old Linda Lightfoot and 82-year-old Gary Lightfoot after the Texas Department of Public Safety joined the ongoing search. The Carson County Sheriff’s Office shared information about the couple in a Facebook post.

The Lightfoots were last seen departing Panhandle on Thursday and never arrived at their home in Lubbock.

Investigators believe they are traveling in a silver 2024 Toyota Camry with Texas license plate TWN0925, according to authorities.

Police noted that “neither Linda or Gary Lightfoot has a cellphone or other traceable instruments.” The Carson County Sheriff’s Office added that the couple’s disappearance is considered a credible threat to their health and safety, as Gary depends on supplemental oxygen.

Panhandle Police Chief Sace Hardman told local outlet KAMC that family members first reported the couple missing on Friday. Relatives said the Lightfoots left Panhandle at around 3 p.m. local time the day before and never checked in.

Authorities later received reports that the couple’s vehicle was seen near Santa Rosa or San Jon, New Mexico, but they were unable to locate the car after that possible sighting, KAMC reported.

According to the Silver Alert, Linda was last seen wearing a black and white blouse, a bulky silver necklace and dark pants. She is described as 5 feet, 3 inches tall and approximately 128 lbs.

Gary was last seen in a gray sweater and black sweatpants. He is described as 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighing about 197 lbs.

Silver Alerts are used to quickly inform the public about missing older adults who may have cognitive or medical conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, that place them at higher risk, Fox 4 reported. These alerts are typically requested within 72 hours of the person’s disappearance, following an initial investigation, and apply to individuals 65 and older.

Panhandle Police Department, Carson County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico State Police and the Texas Rangers are jointly involved in the search for Linda and Gary.

Helicopters and drones have been deployed by New Mexico State Police and Quay County officials as part of the effort, according to News Channel 10.

Anyone with information about the couple’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Carson County Sheriff’s Office at 806-537-3511 or call 911.