Nancy Guthrie, Mother of NBC Anchor Savannah Guthrie, Missing in Arizona; Authorities Suspect Foul Play
In a distressing development that has captured national attention, Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC's Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has been reported missing from her residence near Tucson, Arizona. Law enforcement officials have confirmed they are treating the disappearance as a possible crime, with the home officially declared a crime scene due to concerning evidence discovered there.
Disappearance Timeline and Family Concerns
According to the Pima County Sheriff's Department, Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson on the evening of Saturday, January 31. Her family grew alarmed when she failed to arrive at church on Sunday morning, February 1, and could not be reached by phone. They officially reported her missing to police around noon that same day, initiating what has become an intensive investigation.
Sheriff Chris Nanos revealed that authorities have reason to believe Guthrie did not leave her residence voluntarily. "There were concerning signs at the residence," Nanos stated, though specific details about what investigators found have not been publicly disclosed. The sheriff emphasized that homicide detectives have been called in to assist with the case due to the unusual circumstances surrounding the disappearance.
Health Considerations and Physical Description
Law enforcement officials have provided important context about Nancy Guthrie's health status. "Nancy Guthrie is of great sound mind," a sheriff's official confirmed, noting that the 84-year-old has no known cognitive issues that might explain her disappearance. However, she does have physical limitations and requires daily medication, making her situation particularly urgent. Medical professionals have indicated that going without her prescribed medication for an extended period could prove life-threatening.
Authorities have released a detailed physical description to aid in the search: Nancy Guthrie stands approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighs around 150 pounds, and has brown hair and blue eyes. She lives alone at her residence near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue in Tucson.
Massive Search Operation Underway
The Pima County Sheriff's Department has launched a comprehensive search effort that includes:
- Ground teams of volunteers combing the area
- Aerial surveillance using drones and helicopters
- Specialized search dogs trained for missing person cases
- Neighborhood canvassing and door-to-door inquiries
Despite these extensive efforts, as of Monday, Nancy Guthrie had not been located. Sheriff Nanos acknowledged the challenges of the search while expressing determination to find answers. Officials have asked neighbors to review their home security footage and report any unusual activity they may have observed in recent days.
Family Response and Public Appeal
Savannah Guthrie, the well-known television journalist and daughter of the missing woman, was absent from the Today show on Monday as the search continued. In a statement read by her colleagues during the broadcast, she expressed gratitude to law enforcement and members of the public for their support during this difficult time.
The statement included a heartfelt plea for information: "We are asking anyone with information about my mother's whereabouts to please contact the Pima County Sheriff's Department immediately." The emotional appeal highlighted the family's growing concern as hours turned into days without any sign of Nancy Guthrie.
Investigation Status and Community Impact
As of the latest updates, investigators have not released further details about Nancy Guthrie's disappearance and have not identified any suspects in the case. The declaration of the home as a crime scene suggests authorities believe evidence of criminal activity may be present, though they have been careful not to speculate publicly about what might have occurred.
The case has sent shockwaves through the Tucson community and drawn national media attention due to Savannah Guthrie's prominence as a television personality. Local residents have expressed both concern for Nancy Guthrie's welfare and admiration for the comprehensive search efforts being undertaken by law enforcement.
Authorities continue to emphasize that time is of the essence in missing person cases, particularly when the individual has medical needs. The Pima County Sheriff's Department has established a dedicated tip line and is encouraging anyone with information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, to come forward immediately.
