The quiet, desert foothills of Tucson have become the center of a high-stakes criminal investigation. What started as a frantic search for a missing grandmother has shifted into a “crime scene” as authorities piece together the final moments before Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, vanished from her residence.
The Midnight Mystery: A Timeline of Concern
Nancy was last seen on the night of Saturday, January 31, 2026, around 9:30 p.m. at her home near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue. The alarm was first raised the following morning when she failed to appear at her local church—a deviation from her routine that immediately worried friends.
When family members arrived to check on her, they didn’t just find an empty house; they found a scene that Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos described as “concerning.”
Beyond a “Wander”: Signs of a Struggle
While it is common for authorities to treat the disappearance of an elderly person as a potential wandering case, Sheriff Nanos has been quick to rule that out.
Physical Health: Nancy has mobility issues and cannot walk long distances without assistance.
Mental Sharpness: Authorities emphasized she has “no cognitive issues” and is “as sharp as a tack,” ruling out dementia as a factor.
Forensic Evidence: Since the initial report, investigators have found signs of forced entry and a possible trail of blood leading to the door.
Perhaps most chilling is the digital evidence. Sources indicate that Nancy’s pacemaker—which typically syncs with her Apple devices—stopped communicating around 2:00 a.m. on Sunday. Her phone and car were both left behind.
A Community on Edge and a Plea for Help
The investigation took a darker turn with reports of a purported ransom note sent to a local news station demanding Bitcoin. While the FBI and local detectives are still vetting the note’s legitimacy, they are treating the case as a kidnapping.
Savannah Guthrie, who withdrew from NBC’s 2026 Winter Olympics coverage to remain in Arizona, issued a heartbreaking statement:
“We believe in prayer… we believe in goodness. Thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom.”
Vital Statistics for Nancy Guthrie
Authorities are asking the public to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity in the Catalina Foothills area.
Description: Female, 5’5″, approx. 150 lbs.
Features: Blue eyes and brown hair.
Medical Urgency: Nancy requires daily medication that could be fatal if not administered within a 24-to-48-hour window.
Anyone with information or neighborhood surveillance footage from Jan. 31/Feb. 1 is urged to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.
