Authorities in southern Arizona are searching for the missing mother of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, a disappearance that investigators say is increasingly concerning and may have been abducted in her sleep.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing from her home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson over the weekend after family members were unable to reach her and she failed to show up for a scheduled church event, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
Sheriff’s officials said deputies responded to the home and later designated it a crime scene after finding evidence that suggested Nancy Guthrie did not leave voluntarily. While investigators have not publicly detailed what was discovered, Sheriff Chris Nanos said the case is no longer being treated as a routine missing-person search.
“We have reason to believe that something happened to her that was not of her choosing,” Nanos said during a briefing. “Our focus right now is on bringing her home safely.”
Authorities said Nancy Guthrie was last known to be at her residence late Saturday night. Investigators believe she may have been taken from the home in the early morning hours of Sunday. Officials noted that there were no indications she intended to travel or leave on her own.
Law enforcement has also raised concerns about her health, saying she requires daily medication, heightening the urgency of the search.
Savannah Guthrie has taken time away from Today and traveled to Arizona to be with her family as the investigation continues. In a brief statement shared publicly, Guthrie thanked law enforcement and the community for their support and asked for prayers.
“Please keep my mom in your thoughts,” she said. “We are hoping for a miracle.”
Search efforts have included sheriff’s deputies, detectives, drones, K-9 units and assistance from federal authorities. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from the surrounding area and asking neighbors to report anything unusual they may have seen over the weekend.
Officials emphasized that there is no known threat to the broader public but urged anyone with information about Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department immediately.
As the investigation unfolds, friends, colleagues and viewers across the country have expressed support for Guthrie and her family, sharing messages of hope for a safe return.
“This is every family’s nightmare,” Sheriff Nanos said. “Our job is to find answers — and most importantly, to find Nancy.”
