Missing Texas Couple Charles and Linda Lightfoot Found Deceased — Details

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 Remarkable Couple

As news of their deaths rippled through the community, so too did stories of Gary and Linda’s decades of service. They subscribed to love, liberty, and community; leaving behind a lasting legacy.

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.

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.

Linda’s devotion to her family and community uplifted those around her. With her favorite saying, “ain’t life grand!” she saw every day as “fabulous.”

She had a love for gifting and card giving for birthdays, Valentines, and holidays like Easter and Christmas, and was well-known for her delectable Neiman Marcus cake.

While Linda may no longer be around to keep their fireplace burning no matter the weather, the flame of warmth and devotion they lit among loved ones and their community will continue to shine bright.

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. Continue reading…