Authorities Investigate Disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s Mother as Potential Crime
A search is underway for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie, after authorities in Pima County, Arizona, determined her disappearance is being investigated as a crime. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is appealing to the public for information regarding her whereabouts.
The investigation began Sunday after family members reported Nancy Guthrie missing. She was last seen Saturday evening around 9:30 p.m. near her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson, where she lives alone. A church member alerted family when she did not attend services Sunday morning, prompting a welfare check at her residence around 11 a.m.
According to Sheriff Chris Nanos, the circumstances surrounding Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance are highly suspicious. “We know she didn’t just walk out of there,” Nanos stated. “She did not leave on her own.” Homicide detectives were dispatched to the home – an unusual step in missing person cases – after an initial assessment of the scene revealed concerning evidence. “We believe now, after we’ve processed that crime scene, that we do in fact have a crime scene – that we do in fact have a crime,” Nanos confirmed Monday.
Authorities have emphasized that Nancy Guthrie is mentally sharp and her disappearance is not related to dementia or cognitive decline. “Nancy Guthrie is of great, sound mind. This is not dementia-related. She is as sharp as a tack,” Nanos explained. “The family wants everybody to know this isn’t somebody who just wandered off.” She does, however, have mobility issues and is currently without essential medication, a detail shared by “Today” show host Jenna Bush Hager, raising further concerns for her well-being.
A comprehensive search operation, involving volunteers, canine units, border patrol agents, and helicopters, was launched overnight. Police currently have Nancy Guthrie’s cellphone and are actively investigating its contents. While law enforcement receives numerous missing person reports, Nanos indicated this case “stood out” due to the evidence discovered at the residence.
Savannah Guthrie released a statement on behalf of her family, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support. “On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support. Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom,” she said. The family encourages anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.
The close relationship between Savannah Guthrie and her mother has been well-documented. The “Today” anchor has often spoken of her mother’s encouragement and support, recalling how Nancy Guthrie urged her to accept her first news job in Butte, Montana, at age 21, even though it meant moving far from home. “But she’s like, ‘I’m not going to stand in the way of your dreams,’” Savannah Guthrie previously recalled.
Nanos underscored the urgency of the situation, stating, “We need her back. We need to find her, and time is very critical.” Despite the ongoing investigation, authorities have stated they do not believe there is a current threat to the public. This remains a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
