Concern is growing for Savannah Guthrie and her family after her mother, Nancy Guthrie, disappeared from her Arizona home over the weekend. Nancy, 84, was last seen Saturday at her home in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson.
When she failed to attend church on Sunday, a friend contacted police, prompting an immediate response. Authorities launched a large search-and-rescue operation using ground crews and aerial teams, citing urgency due to her age and health.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said early on that officials were treating the case seriously. “We’re pretty much just throwing everything at this that we can,” he said. Although there was no confirmed crime at first, a homicide team was brought in as a precaution.
As the investigation progressed, authorities said new information changed their assessment. Speaking to People on Monday, Nanos said, “At this point, investigators believe she was taken from the home against her will, possibly in the middle of the night.” He added that “taken against her will includes possible kidnapping or abduction.”
Investigators believe Nancy went to bed Saturday night and was gone by Sunday morning. Nanos said, “We know, at least we believe, and I believe we know, she did not walk out of that home on her own.” Her limited mobility makes it unlikely she left voluntarily.
Despite physical challenges, Nancy is mentally alert. “She is really just as sharp as a tack,” Nanos said, adding that he believes “somebody came into that home and… took her out of there without her permission.”
Authorities are reviewing security footage from nearby homes and have collected what was described as “biological DNA-type evidence” from the residence. No further details have been released as the investigation remains active.
Savannah Guthrie has been absent from Today and issued a statement thanking the public for their support and asking anyone with information to contact authorities. She later wrote on Instagram, “Above all, we believe in Him,” asking for continued prayers for her mother’s safe return.
