The disappearance and subsequent discovery of Linda and Gary Lightfoot It shocked the community Lubbock, Texasand their families, who highlighted the “legacy of love and devotion” left by this octogenarian couple.
The couple was found dead next to their car in a rural area of Los Angeles County. Pier, New Mexicofive days after they were reported missing after not returning home after celebrating Thanksgiving.
According to family members Barbara Schiller To the middle the peopleThe family believes the Lightfoots “somehow turned around” during the trip and got lost, although the official investigation has yet to clarify the details of the tragedy.
The Quay County Sheriff’s Office reported that on Tuesday, December 2, after receiving a report about a possible sighting of Lightfoot’s vehicle, deputies responded to a farm west of (Tucumcari, New Mexico)..
There they found an inoperable vehicle parked in a tree line at the end of the pasture, which was identified as belonging to 81-year-old Linda and 82-year-old Gary. “Sadly, both people were found dead at the scene.The Quay County Sheriff’s Office said, adding that the investigation is ongoing.
The family explained to the people That the Lightfoots had traveled this route on numerous occasions, but on this occasion they had lost their way and, moreover, had left their mobile phones at home.
The New Mexico Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed this to the media In his custody are the remains of the couple Autopsy reports, which will determine the cause and manner of death, may take up to three months.
In a letter addressed to the peopleThe Lightfoot family thanked those who participated in the research and stressed the importance of “Be prepared while traveling, even short distances, as this may save lives in the futureSchiller, who knew Linda as her husband’s aunt, said the couple was known for their generosity and commitment to the community.Genuine and nice peopleHe described them and added that his memory will be marked by affection and devotion to his loved ones.
Gary was a military veteran, having served as a law enforcement officer with the Lamb County Sheriff’s Office and later as chief of police. Littlefield Between 1993 and 2003, according to the family. In addition, he was a self-taught wood craftsman, able to create carvings of farm animals, crosses, and sculptures for wedding anniversaries.
For her part, Linda worked in… Abilene For one Oil and gas company And then in the banking sector. The family remembers that he loved to give cards and gifts at Easter, Christmas, birthdays and Valentine’s Day, and that he would keep the fireplace burning all year round, no matter the temperature outside.
They both attended church regularly and showed deep affection for neighbors, friends and family. They are survived by their son Greg, Linda’s sister Barbara and her husband Waylon, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. “Although it was not the result we expected, it is clear that everything possible was done“They will cherish the memories shared with Linda and Gary,” said the family, who also thanked the expressions of support they received from Texas, New Mexico and other states.