Savannah Guthrie, co-host of NBC's Today show, continues to search for her mother, 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who has gone missing from her home in Tucson, Arizona.
In the midst of this heart-wrenching time, Savannah has turned to her faith and her followers, thanking them for their support and prayers as the investigation unfolds.
Nancy Guthrie's Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31, around 9:30PM at her residence near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue, per FOX News.
According to the Pima County Sheriff's Department, family members dropped Nancy off at her home earlier that evening, and she was reported missing the following day.
The Sheriff's Office quickly launched a search-and-rescue operation, initially hopeful that Nancy had simply wandered off. However, the situation quickly took a darker turn.
Sheriff Chris Nanos revealed that upon investigating Nancy's home, authorities discovered a potential crime scene, leading them to believe that Nancy did not leave of her own accord.
“We believe now, after we processed that crime scene, that we do, in fact, have a crime scene that we do, in fact, have a crime,” Nanos stated.
He emphasized that Nancy could not have walked away from her home due to physical limitations, as she suffers from medical conditions that affect her mobility.
A Message of Faith and Hope
As the search for Nancy continues, Savannah Guthrie has turned to social media to express her gratitude for the outpouring of support and prayers from her followers.
In an emotional Instagram post shared on the evening of February 2, Savannah thanked everyone for standing with her family in their time of need.
“We believe in prayer. We believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope. We believe in goodness. We believe in humanity. Above all, we believe in Him,” Savannah wrote in the caption of the post, which included a photo that read: “Please pray.”
In her heartfelt message, Savannah described her mother as “a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant,” asking for continued prayers for her safe return.
She urged her followers to “raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment.”
In an attempt to remain strong, Savannah also quoted a Bible verse from Isaiah 26:3: “He will keep in perfect peace those whose hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”
She ended her post with a simple yet powerful plea: “Bring her home.”
Authorities Shift Focus to Crime Scene Investigation
Sheriff Nanos further revealed that Nancy's disappearance was likely not an accident, per PEOPLE.
"She did not leave on her own," he said, confirming suspicions that she may have been abducted.
Investigators now believe Nancy was taken from her home against her will, potentially in the middle of the night. Nanos added that there are indications of harm, though the specifics of any injuries have not yet been disclosed.
As the investigation progresses, authorities have been scouring surveillance footage and reviewing license plate readers, hoping to find critical evidence.
"We know she didn’t just walk out of there," Nanos noted during a press conference.
In a particularly urgent plea, the sheriff highlighted Nancy’s medical needs, explaining that she requires medication that could be life-threatening if not taken within 24 hours.
Despite her physical challenges, Nancy is described as being of "sound mind," which has led investigators to believe that she was forcibly taken from her home.
Savannah’s Absence from ‘Today’ Show Reflects Family Focus
On February 2, Savannah Guthrie did not appear on the Today show as she remained in Arizona with her family. Her colleagues, Sheinelle Jones and Craig Melvin, addressed the situation on air, sharing their concern for Savannah and her mother.
“We want to get right to what is a deeply personal story for us,” Melvin said. “Nancy Guthrie, Savannah’s beloved mother, has been reported missing in Arizona.”
Sheriff Nanos confirmed that Savannah has been cooperating fully with the investigation and remains in Arizona with her family during this difficult time.
Authorities have also enlisted the help of the FBI as they continue their efforts to locate Nancy.