Search Underway After Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie in Arizona Treated as Crime

Woman Reported Missing From Home in Catalina Foothills

Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing from her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Pima County, Arizona, after she was last seen there at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.

When Nancy Guthrie did not appear at church the following Sunday morning, family members went to her residence, searched for her, and then called 911, Nanos said. Authorities subsequently began an investigation into her disappearance.

Disappearance Investigated as Crime and Possible Abduction

Sheriff Chris Nanos stated that investigators are treating Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance as a crime. He said that law enforcement officials processed her home as a crime scene and that they found matters there that they considered concerning. Nanos said he believes she was abducted and said she did not leave the home willingly.

Nanos said that Nancy Guthrie lived alone and that family members told investigators she had very limited mobility and could not walk 50 yards. He stated that authorities therefore do not believe she could have traveled far from the home on her own. He also said that there were other aspects at the scene that indicated she did not leave voluntarily.

Physical Description and Medical Concerns

A missing person flier circulated by authorities describes Nancy Guthrie as 5 feet 5 inches tall, with brown hair, blue eyes, and a weight of 150 pounds. Sheriff Nanos said she does not have cognitive issues and is, in his words, of sound mind. Authorities stated that she urgently needs her daily medication and noted that more than 24 hours had passed since she disappeared at the time of their public comments.

Law Enforcement Response and Search Efforts

Sheriff Nanos said the Pima County Sheriff’s Department initially deployed a search and rescue team that worked through the night using drones, helicopters, and heat sensors. Those teams were later stood down as the focus shifted from a search mission to a criminal investigation.

Nanos said investigators are reviewing security camera footage from inside the home and examining Nancy Guthrie’s cellphone. Authorities are also analyzing data from license-plate readers and other surveillance cameras for possible leads.

The sheriff said he has asked neighbors in the Catalina Foothills area to check their home security video, even if cameras are not oriented toward the Guthrie residence, noting that footage might show a person or vehicle passing by around the time of her disappearance. He also encouraged anyone who believes they see Nancy Guthrie to take a photograph or record video and contact authorities.

Involvement of Federal Authorities and Public Safety Assessment

Two sources said the FBI is assisting in the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. Nanos stated that, based on information available to investigators, he did not believe there was an active threat posing a danger to the wider public.

Sgt. David Stivers of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department told reporters that there were circumstances at the scene that investigators consider suspicious in nature. Nanos said no possible motive had been identified and that there was no initial indication Nancy Guthrie was targeted because of her name. He added that investigators would examine the possibility that she had been stalked or harassed.

Family Cooperation and Public Appeal

Sheriff Nanos said Nancy Guthrie’s family is cooperating with the investigation. Savannah Guthrie issued a statement expressing thanks for messages of support on behalf of the family and said their focus remains on the safe return of Nancy Guthrie.

Authorities have urged anyone with information related to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie in the Catalina Foothills area to contact law enforcement.