Savannah Guthrie pleads for proof of life as search for missing mother intensifies

Savannah Guthrie and her siblings posted an emotional video appeal Wednesday asking whoever has their mother, Nancy Guthrie, to provide proof she is alive, as investigators in Tucson, Arizona, continue treating the 84-year-old’s disappearance as an abduction. The family’s message — “We are ready to talk” — came amid circulating claims about a ransom note that officials say is still being evaluated and not publicly verified.

Nancy Guthrie was last known to be at her Tucson home late Saturday, January 31, 2026, and was reported missing Sunday, February 1. Authorities say evidence at the residence suggests she was taken against her will.

The family video: “We are ready to talk”

In the video, Savannah Guthrie appears with her siblings, Annie and Camron, addressing both their mother and the person responsible for her disappearance. Their central request is simple: a clear, credible proof of life.

The family acknowledged that they have heard claims that a ransom message exists, but emphasized that manipulated audio and video are easy to create. They asked for confirmation “without a doubt” that Nancy is alive and in the abductor’s custody, then urged the person to make contact so communication can begin.

The appeal was framed as both a negotiation opening and a safeguard: the family signaled willingness to listen while drawing a bright line that any next step must begin with verification.

What investigators have confirmed so far

Officials in Pima County have said the home is being treated as a crime scene and that investigators found evidence consistent with forced entry. Detectives have continued returning to the residence as the search expands, focusing on reconstructing Nancy Guthrie’s last known movements and narrowing the window in which she was likely taken.

Authorities have not publicly named a suspect. They have also urged the public to avoid amplifying speculation that could contaminate tips or pressure witnesses.

Federal support has been referenced in recent updates, with federal agents assisting local authorities as the investigation develops.

The “ransom note” claim and why it matters

Public attention has surged around claims that a ransom note — including versions that mention cryptocurrency — has circulated to media outlets or online. Officials have indicated they are reviewing the material, but its authenticity has not been publicly confirmed.

That uncertainty matters for two reasons:

First, a genuine message could provide investigative leads, including language patterns, delivery method, and technical traces. Second, a hoax or copycat message can misdirect the public, generate false leads, and increase stress on the family while the search remains urgent.

In their video, the Guthrie siblings effectively addressed both possibilities, underscoring they will not treat any message as real unless proof of life is provided.

Health concerns raise urgency

Investigators and the family have repeatedly highlighted that Nancy Guthrie has significant health needs and requires daily medication. The family described her as living with chronic pain and a fragile heart condition, and stressed that being without medication creates immediate risk.

A detail adding urgency to the timeline: Nancy Guthrie is associated with a heart monitoring setup, and updates have suggested that device syncing stopped the morning after she vanished. Officials have not said whether that reflects loss of access to devices, a power interruption, or something else — only that her health makes time critical.

What comes next in the search

Search efforts have centered on evidence processing from the home, canvassing for surveillance footage, and tracking leads tied to the period between late Saturday and early Sunday. Officials have also emphasized the importance of public tips, particularly anything related to unusual activity near the home or any sighting of Nancy Guthrie or unfamiliar vehicles in the area.

Key takeaways:

• The family is asking for proof of life before any negotiation.

• Authorities say the disappearance is being investigated as an abduction.

• A ransom-note claim is under review, but not publicly verified.

• Nancy Guthrie’s medical needs make the timeline especially urgent.

For now, the family’s message is an attempt to open a channel while keeping the focus on verifiable information: proof she is alive, and a direct line to whoever took her.

Sources consulted: Associated Press, Los Angeles Times, People, Pima County Sheriff’s Department