It was meant to be an ordinary night in a quiet Tucson neighborhood—but by morning, Nancy Guthrie, 84, had vanished from her bed without a trace.
Alert, in good spirits, and safely tucked in the night before, she disappeared under circumstances that have left investigators, family, and the community searching for answers.
A Mysterious Disappearance
Authorities in Arizona are investigating the alarming disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.
Officials now suspect she may have been abducted from her Tucson-area home while she slept—a scenario experts describe as highly unusual and deeply concerning.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has elevated the case from a standard missing-person report to a potential criminal investigation. Sheriff Chris Nanos told CBS, “I believe she was abducted, yes,” adding that the circumstances are “extremely troubling.”
Last Known Moments
Nancy was reported missing around noon on Sunday after failing to attend church, something her family said was out of character. Investigators are focusing on events from the previous evening.
Family members, including Savannah’s sister Annie Guthrie, had dinner with Nancy on Saturday, January 31. Annie is believed to have been the last person to see her mother before she returned home around 9:30–9:45 p.m.
“She appeared well, mentally sharp, and in good spirits when she was dropped off,” Annie told authorities. By Sunday morning, Nancy was gone. Sheriff Nanos remarked, “I can’t recall a case where an 84-year-old woman disappeared from her bed overnight.”
Evidence and Search Efforts
Nancy left behind her wallet, cell phone, and car, suggesting she did not leave voluntarily. DNA evidence collected inside the home has been sent to a Phoenix laboratory for analysis, with results expected soon.
Though mentally alert, Nancy’s physical condition is fragile. “She cannot walk 50 yards on her own and relies on life-saving medication,” Sheriff Nanos explained. “She’s been missing nearly 48 hours—time is critical.”
Search efforts have been extensive, involving volunteers, drones, search dogs, Border Patrol personnel, and homicide detectives. The level of mobilization is rare but necessary given the evidence and her vulnerability.
Family’s Plea
Savannah Guthrie, who did not appear on Today Monday, shared an emotional message on Instagram asking for public support and prayers.
“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,” she wrote. “Thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant. Raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment.”
Community Alert
Investigators are urging residents in the Catalina Foothills area to review any home security or doorbell camera footage from Saturday night through early Sunday morning. No suspects have been identified, and no arrests have been made, but authorities are treating the case with urgency.
The unusual nighttime disappearance from a quiet residential neighborhood has left the community on edge. Law enforcement, family, and volunteers remain focused on one goal: locating Nancy Guthrie and bringing her safely home.
Conclusion
Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance has sent shockwaves through her family and community. With her health and safety at risk, authorities and loved ones remain vigilant and united by hope and prayer. Every lead matters, and the mission remains clear: to bring Nancy safely back to her family.