TUCUMCARI — A Lubbock couple missing since Thanksgiving Day were found dead this week in rural Quay County, west of Tucumcari, where their vehicle had become stuck after a visit to Panhandle, Texas, officials said.

Quay County Sheriff Dennis Garcia said no foul play was suspected. He said he believed Gary and Linda Lightfoot died of exposure, with temperatures dipping near or below freezing nightly in the area.

Garcia said a local rancher found the couple about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in a pasture about 12 miles west of Tucumcari and eight miles north of Interstate 40.

Garcia said the couple's car became stuck on a small ravine in the pasture.

Investigators were still trying to ascertain when and how the vehicle accessed the ranch property, as its gates all appeared closed, he added.

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