Nancy Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie's 84-Year-Old Mother, Missing in Tucson Area

Nancy Guthrie, 84, the mother of NBC “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, is missing and Pima County investigators are treating her Catalina Foothills residence as a crime scene as they pursue a possible abduction.

Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators processed the Guthrie home and that homicide detectives were called after “concerning circumstances” were found. “We do in fact have a crime scene,” Nanos said, and he added, “I believe she was abducted, yes. She didn't walk away from there. She didn't go willingly.” Authorities said the case has shifted from search-and-rescue to a criminal investigation.

Local law enforcement says Nancy Guthrie was last seen at or after about 9:30 p.m. on Saturday at her home near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue in the Catalina Foothills, a saguaro-studded neighborhood north of Tucson. A family member called 911 around noon Sunday after learning Guthrie had not attended church and a search of the home followed. Savannah Guthrie released a family statement thanking people for their support and asking for her mother’s safe return: “On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support. Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom.”

Investigators emphasize Guthrie's vulnerability and need for immediate care. Deputies say she is 5 feet 5 inches tall, about 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. She has limited mobility, takes daily medication, and authorities warned she “could die without her medication.” At the same time, Sheriff Nanos has said the disappearance is not dementia-related: “This is not dementia-related. She’s as sharp as a tack.”

Search teams used drones, aircraft, helicopters and infrared and heat-detection equipment while canvassing the area. Investigators asked neighbors to review security-camera footage and to report any suspicious activity or vehicles. The sheriff appealed directly to the public for tips and information as officers continue to follow leads.

The Guthrie property is described as a brick home with a gravel driveway and a yard of Prickly Pear and Saguaro cactus. The Pima County Sheriff’s Office has issued a missing-person poster and urged anyone with information to contact authorities or call 911.

For the local community this is a reminder to check doorbell and home-security footage after late-night activity, to keep exterior lighting functional, and to report anything unusual immediately. The investigation is active and evolving; law enforcement says they have “thrown everything we have” at finding Nancy Guthrie and that more details will be released as they become available.