The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84 year old mother of NBC News Anchor Savannah Guthrie, has drawn nationwide attention as investigators continue searching for answers in what authorities believe may be an abduction.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on Saturday evening at her home in Catalina Foothills, an affluent neighborhood about six miles northeast of Tuscon, Arizona. Family members dropped her off around 9:30 p.m. local time.
Several unusual events occurred later that night. At 1:47 a.m. Sunday, a doorbell camera at her home was disconnected and removed. Officials noted that Nancy did not have a subscription service for the camera, meaning no footage could be recovered. At 2:12 a.m. movement was detected near the home, though no video was available, and the sheriff said an animal could have caused the motion. At 2:28 a.m., the app connected to Nancy pacemaker disconnected from her phone.
Concern grew Sunday morning when members of Nancy’s church noticed she was missing and alerted her family. After an 911 call, authorities launched a large search effort that included volunteers and federal officers from Border Patrol.
Investigators later found blood on Nancy Guthrie’s porch, and test confirm it was hers. Officials have warned that she may be in serious danger without her medication. Sheriff Chris Nanos described her as being poor in physical health but said she has no reported cognitive issues.
In emotional video messages, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings pleaded for her return, saying Nancy’s heart is fragile and that she needs her medicine to survive. Savannah also addressed whoever may be holding her mother, saying the family is ready to talk and needs proof she is alive.
This case has also involved ransom notes. FBI Special Agent Heith Janke said the agency is reviewing a ransom note sent to media outlets that included details about an Apple Watch and a floodlight at Nancy’s home. One note included deadlines, including one that passed Thursday and another on Monday. The FBI arrested someone for sending a fake ransom note, and authorities are now investigating a new message related to the case.
Officials have urged the public to provide any helpful information while discouraging the spread of misinformation. A reward of $50,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
The disappearance has impacted Savannah Guthrie’s professional life as well. NBC announced she will no longer co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony so she can remain with her family during the search.
Authorities continue to follow leads as the investigation remains ongoing.
