Police are currently probing the vanishing of the mother of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie as a suspected crime following a troubling discovery at her residence.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last sighted around 9:30 pm on Saturday near her home in the Catalina Foothills area, just north of Tucson, Arizona. A relative reached out to authorities on Sunday afternoon to file a missing person report, and she has not been spotted since.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos mentioned that a “crime scene” has been set up, and officials are seeking the public’s assistance in providing any details that could aid in locating her.
He revealed that investigators came across “a very troubling scene” at the property, confirming that homicide detectives were dispatched to Ms. Guthrie’s home, which is atypical in missing person incidents.
According to Arizona law enforcement, it is evident that Nancy did not depart on her own due to her limited mobility. Authorities noted the presence of other factors at the scene indicating she did not leave voluntarily.
Nancy, aged 84, is being treated as a “vulnerable adult” due to her age, not because of any recognized cognitive impairments, authorities clarified. They are not ruling out the possibility of foul play.
Savannah Guthrie has opted out of hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony for NBC due to her mother’s disappearance. Her expected arrival in Italy on Friday is now uncertain, as reported by Page Six.
Known for her role as a co-anchor on NBC News’ Today show, Savannah Guthrie is also a New York Times bestselling author and was honored with induction into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame in 2022.
Savannah and her mother, Nancy, share an exceptionally close relationship, as per a source familiar with the family. Savannah has often shared photos of their time together, emphasizing their strong bond.
Sheriff Nanos disclosed that the Pima County Sheriff Department has dedicated substantial resources to the search and rescue efforts for Nancy Guthrie, including the involvement of volunteers and collaborating agencies who tirelessly worked to no avail.
The affluent suburb of Tucson where Nancy went missing, the Catalina Foothills area, is renowned as the ‘Beverly Hills of Tucson,’ offering a serene, upscale living environment with striking mountain views, top-tier schools, and high-end shopping.
NBC’s top crime expert, Tom Winter, mentioned that the FBI is monitoring Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance due to the concerning nature of the findings at the scene, indicating significant worry.
Savannah Guthrie has publicly praised her mother, emphasizing her love, selflessness, and pivotal role in shaping her life. She fondly recalled her mother’s encouragement when she embarked on her first news job, showcasing her unwavering support for her aspirations.
Search efforts for Nancy Guthrie have involved the use of drones, aircraft, helicopters, and search-and-rescue canines, with the assistance of volunteers. The Guthrie family has confirmed their active collaboration with local law enforcement in addressing the missing person case.
Today, the disappearance of NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie’s mother has been upgraded to a criminal investigation by law enforcement. Authorities stressed the critical nature of Nancy’s daily medication for her well-being, warning of potential adverse consequences if she does not receive it.
Described as 5ft 5in tall, weighing 150 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes, Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her residence around 9:30 pm to 9:45 pm on Saturday. Law enforcement highlighted her physical fragility but affirmed her sound mental capacity.
Today show host Jenna Hager expressed personal concern for Savannah Guthrie’s mother, highlighting the vital need for her daily medication for survival and urging prayers for the family during this challenging time.
Authorities are actively treating Nancy’s disappearance as a criminal matter, with the involvement of homicide detectives and an ongoing search operation. Pima County Sheriff Nanos emphasized the unusual circumstances at Ms. Guthrie’s property, underscoring the significance of community support in resolving the case.