Savannah Guthrie’s mother missing in Arizona as case shifts to suspected abduction

A high-profile missing-person search in southern Arizona has intensified into a criminal investigation involving the family of television anchor Savannah Guthrie. Authorities say her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, disappeared from her home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson under circumstances they describe as “very concerning,” with evidence pointing to the likelihood she did not leave voluntarily.

The urgency is compounded by health risks: investigators and family members have stressed that Nancy Guthrie needs daily medication and has limited mobility, raising the stakes as the search enters its third day.

What investigators say happened

Law enforcement has said they do not believe Nancy Guthrie walked away from her residence. Officials have described her as mentally sharp, with no signs of cognitive impairment, but physically limited enough that leaving on her own would be unlikely. After examining the home, investigators designated it a crime scene and escalated the response beyond a standard search-and-rescue operation.

Authorities have also said the circumstances are consistent with a possible kidnapping or abduction, including the possibility she was taken during the overnight hours while she slept. Investigators have not announced any arrests, named a suspect, or outlined a motive.

Timeline of the disappearance

Times are approximate, reflecting the public descriptions given by authorities and family.

Search resources and investigative steps

The initial response combined both investigative and field-search tactics. Authorities used aircraft support and drones, deployed K-9 resources, and expanded canvassing in the surrounding area. As evidence at the home raised concerns, the posture shifted toward a crime-focused investigation.

Investigators have said they are reviewing available security-camera footage and evaluating physical evidence collected at the scene. Officials have been cautious about sharing specifics publicly, signaling that details are being held back to protect the integrity of the investigation and avoid jeopardizing potential leads.

Health concerns and why time matters

Officials have emphasized that Nancy Guthrie is without medication she needs daily. In missing-person cases involving medical dependency, the window for a safe recovery can narrow quickly, particularly when exposure, dehydration, or stress are possible factors.

Her limited mobility adds another layer of concern: if she is being held somewhere, she may not be able to move to safety or seek help on her own. If she is injured, her ability to survive without quick medical intervention may be reduced.

Savannah Guthrie’s response and work absence

Savannah Guthrie has not appeared on her regular morning program since the case became public. She issued a brief statement thanking people for their support and thanking law enforcement for their continued work, while emphasizing that her family’s focus remains on Nancy Guthrie’s safe return.

The disappearance has also disrupted planned professional commitments tied to the 2026 Winter Olympics. Guthrie had been expected to participate in opening-ceremony coverage on Friday, Feb. 6, but she is now expected to step away from that role as the investigation continues.

What happens next

The next developments will likely come in one of three forms: a confirmed sighting, a breakthrough tip, or an investigative update that clarifies the suspected abduction timeline. Authorities have urged anyone with information from the Catalina Foothills area during the late evening of Jan. 31 into early Feb. 1 to come forward, even if a detail seems minor.

For now, law enforcement’s public stance is clear: this is not being treated as a voluntary disappearance, and the case has moved into the realm of suspected criminal conduct.

Sources consulted: Pima County Sheriff’s Department; ABC News; Reuters; The Washington Post