Savannah Guthrie Pleads for Safe Return of Mother, Nancy Guthrie, in Apparent kidnapping
Amid growing concern, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings issued a desperate plea Wednesday for the safe return of their mother, Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing for four days. The family is cooperating with authorities and is prepared to engage with anyone holding the 84-year-old woman.
Tucson, Arizona – The “Today” co-anchor, alongside her two siblings, released a tearful video statement on Instagram, directly addressing a potential kidnapper. “We live in a world were voices and images are easily manipulated,” Guthrie stated in the video. “We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us.”
The family confirmed they are aware of reports regarding a ransom demand and have indicated their willingness to negotiate. Guthrie expressed deep worry about her motherS health, emphasizing that Nancy Guthrie lives with chronic pain and requires medication she is currently without. “She needs it to survive and she needs it not to suffer,” Guthrie explained. She described her mother as a vibrant and beloved figure – “kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving,” and a woman who embraces “fun and adventure.”
Authorities have been investigating Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance since she was last seen by family members around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, after being dropped off at her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson. Family members alerted authorities around 11 a.m. on Sunday when she failed to arrive at church, prompting a welfare check that revealed she was missing.
Initial investigations revealed “concerning circumstances” at the residence, with evidence suggesting a forced entry and the presence of blood droplets near the front door, according to law enforcement sources.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information online, stating on Wednesday, “While we appreciate the public’s concern, the sharing of unverified accusations or false information is irresponsible and does not assist the investigation.” The Sheriff’s Department acknowledged receiving potential ransom notes but has not yet confirmed their authenticity.
“We have nothing else to go on but the belief that she is here, she’s present, she’s alive, and we want to save her,” Nanos told NBC News during an interview Wednesday. He reiterated on Tuesday that investigators are still working to determine Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
In the emotional Instagram video, Annie Guthrie added a direct message to her mother: “Mama, if you’re listening, we need you to come home, we miss you.” Savannah Guthrie concluded the video with a heartfelt declaration: “Our mom is our heart and our home. She is 84 years old. Her health, her heart, is fragile. … We will not rest, your children will not rest, until we are together again.”
