Foul Play Suspected In Disappearance Of Savannah Guthrie’s Mother

The quiet Catalina Foothills community just north of Tucson, Arizona, has found itself at the center of a gripping and distressing mystery: the sudden disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie. As of Monday, February 2, 2026, local authorities have escalated their search into a full-scale criminal investigation, suspecting foul play in a case that has drawn national attention and left friends, family, and neighbors anxiously awaiting answers.

According to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her residence in the affluent Catalina Foothills area on the evening of Saturday, January 31, 2026. Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that Nancy was seen at her home near Skyline and Campbell around 9:30 p.m. that night. Family members left her house at approximately 9:45 p.m., and the first signs of trouble emerged the next morning when Nancy failed to attend her regular church service on Sunday, February 1. Concerned church members reached out to her family, who then went to her home and, upon not finding her, called 911 to report her missing.

As reported by The Republic and other outlets, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department responded swiftly, issuing a missing person alert and launching an intensive search effort. However, as the search progressed, investigators began to suspect that Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance was not a case of a simple walkaway or accident. Sheriff Nanos announced at a Monday morning press conference that detectives had transitioned the case from a missing person search to a criminal investigation. “We do in fact have a crime scene, we do in fact have a crime,” Nanos stated. “She did not leave on her own, we know that.”

The sheriff’s comments underscored the seriousness of the situation. Nancy Guthrie, described by her family and law enforcement as “sharp as a tack,” was known to be of sound mind, with no cognitive issues. However, she also faced significant physical challenges due to her age and was said to be very limited in mobility. “This isn’t somebody that just wandered off,” Nanos reiterated. “She couldn’t walk 50 yards by herself.” He further explained that the state of Nancy’s home when authorities arrived caused “grave concern,” though he declined to provide specifics about what was found, citing the ongoing investigation.

“It’s very concerning what we’re learning from the house,” Nanos told reporters late Sunday. “There are other things at the scene that indicate that there was a–she did not leave on her own, we know that.” The sheriff emphasized that the department is using every available resource in the search for Nancy, including drones, helicopters, and the assistance of the U.S. Border Patrol. Homicide detectives are also working the case, and while foul play has not been officially confirmed, it has not been ruled out.

The urgency of the search is heightened by Nancy Guthrie’s medical needs. According to both law enforcement and family statements, Nancy requires a specific medication every day—medication that, if not taken within 24 hours, could be fatal. Sheriff Nanos stressed, “Medication that if she doesn’t have in 24 hours, it can be fatal.” It remains unclear when she last took her medication, adding an extra layer of anxiety for her loved ones and those involved in the search.

On Monday morning, Savannah Guthrie’s colleagues on the Today show shared a statement from Savannah, expressing the family’s gratitude for the outpouring of support and their continued hope for Nancy’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,” Savannah wrote. The family’s plea was echoed by Sheriff Nanos, who urged anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. “We’re asking the community’s help,” he said. “We don’t need another bad, tragic ending—we need some help.”

The investigation has not revealed any known threats to Savannah Guthrie or her family that might be connected to Nancy’s disappearance. Sheriff Nanos confirmed that his department is coordinating with any other agencies that may be able to assist, including Savannah’s security team. “We’re doing all we can to try to locate her,” Nanos said. “Every tool we have, we will use.”

As the search for Nancy Guthrie entered its third day, the sense of urgency only grew. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department announced that, after an exhaustive overnight search on February 1, the search and rescue team had stepped aside, with the investigation now focused on the crime scene and gathering evidence. “Right now, we don’t see this as much as a search mission as a crime scene,” Nanos said Monday morning. He added, “Everybody just wants to be able to know that they can go outside and enjoy their community and come home and be safe at night in their rooms asleep in bed, and this lady wasn’t able to accomplish that. That’s a sad statement. We need her back. We need to find her. And time’s very critical. She’s 84. She needs her meds. Her family needs her too.”

Media outlets across the country have picked up the story, with NBC News confirming Savannah Guthrie’s absence from the anchor desk on Monday morning and issuing a statement asking anyone with information to come forward. The disappearance has also raised questions about Savannah’s upcoming commitments, including her scheduled role as co-host of NBC’s coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, though NBC News has not yet commented on whether her plans will change in light of the unfolding crisis.

In the meantime, the community in Tucson and viewers nationwide remain on edge, hoping for a breakthrough. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to appeal for any tips, no matter how small. As Sheriff Nanos summed up, “We believe now, after we’ve processed that crime scene, that we do have a crime scene and we do have a crime, and we’re asking for the community’s help.”

For now, the fate of Nancy Guthrie remains uncertain, but the determination of her family, law enforcement, and the wider public to find answers is unwavering. The story has become a stark reminder of how quickly life can change—and how, in moments of crisis, communities can come together in the hope of bringing a loved one home.