Savannah Guthrie's mother missing in Arizona
Savannah Guthrie's mother missing in Arizona

Authorities in Arizona are intensifying their search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, as new details suggest her disappearance may involve foul play.

Nancy Guthrie was reported missing over the weekend from her home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson, a quiet and affluent neighborhood north of the city. What initially appeared to be a welfare concern has quickly escalated into a high-priority investigation after deputies uncovered what they described as “concerning evidence” inside the residence.

Read more: Who Is Nancy Guthrie? Savannah Guthrie’s Missing Mother: Husband, and Children

What investigators are saying

The Pima County Sheriff's Department confirmed that officers responded to the home late Saturday night after family members were unable to reach Guthrie. According to officials, there were signs inside the house that raised immediate red flags, prompting investigators to treat the scene as more than a routine missing-person case.

While authorities have not publicly detailed the evidence found, the sheriff’s department said the circumstances do not suggest that Nancy Guthrie left voluntarily.

“She did not just walk away from her home,” a department spokesperson said during a briefing. “Given her age, mobility issues, and medical needs, we are deeply concerned for her safety.”

Health concerns add urgency

Investigators and family members have stressed that Nancy Guthrie relies on daily medication critical to her health. Sources familiar with the case said she was not known to travel alone and did not take essential medication with her, making her disappearance especially alarming.

Officials have also noted that she does not suffer from dementia or cognitive impairment, further complicating theories that she may have wandered off unintentionally.

“These facts significantly narrow the possibilities,” one law enforcement source said. “That’s why this case is being handled with such urgency.”

Savannah Guthrie steps away from television

Savannah Guthrie has temporarily stepped away from her role on NBC’s Today to be with her family and assist in the search. Colleagues expressed public support, while viewers noticed her absence from recent broadcasts.

In a brief statement shared through the network, Guthrie thanked law enforcement and the community for their efforts and asked anyone with information to contact authorities immediately.

“Our family is grateful for the outpouring of kindness,” the statement read. “We are holding onto hope and asking for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”

Search efforts expand

Deputies have canvassed the surrounding neighborhood, reviewed surveillance footage, and interviewed neighbors and possible witnesses. Search teams have also examined nearby desert terrain, though officials have not confirmed whether any personal belongings have been recovered.

Multiple agencies are assisting in the investigation, and authorities have not ruled out the involvement of specialized units, including major crimes detectives.

As of Tuesday, no suspects have been named, and no arrests have been made.

A case drawing national attention

The disappearance has drawn widespread national attention, fueled in part by coverage from outlets including USA Today, Reuters, and ABC News. Law enforcement officials say the visibility may help generate new leads.

“Public awareness can make a real difference,” a sheriff’s department spokesperson said. “Someone may have seen or heard something that didn’t seem important at the time.”

What happens next

Authorities say the investigation remains active and fluid. They are urging anyone who was in the Catalina Foothills area late Saturday or early Sunday to review personal security footage and report anything unusual.

For now, the focus remains on locating Nancy Guthrie and determining how and why she vanished from her home.

“This is about bringing someone’s mother home,” one investigator said. “That’s our priority.”

FAQs

Who is Nancy Guthrie?

Nancy Guthrie is the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.

Where did she go missing?

She was reported missing from her home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson, Arizona.

Is the case being treated as a crime?

Authorities say evidence found at the home is concerning, and the case is not considered a routine disappearance.

Why is the situation considered urgent?

Nancy Guthrie relies on daily medication and did not take it with her, raising serious health concerns.

How can the public help?

Anyone with information or relevant security footage is urged to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.