Savannah Guthrie’s mom Nancy Guthrie still missing in Tucson; family pleads for proof of life as search intensifies

Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of television anchor Savannah Guthrie, remains missing in Tucson as investigators continue to treat her disappearance as a suspected abduction. The family is publicly urging whoever has her to provide proof of life, saying they are prepared to communicate but need confirmation she is alive and access to needed medication.

Savannah Guthrie’s mom Nancy Guthrie still missing in Tucson

Authorities say Nancy Guthrie was last known to be at home late Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, after relatives dropped her off following a family gathering. She was reported missing Sunday, Feb. 1, after she did not arrive for church and loved ones discovered she was not at her residence. Investigators have said they do not believe she left voluntarily.

In public briefings this week, officials described the home as a crime scene and said the available evidence suggests she was taken against her will. No suspect or person of interest has been publicly identified, and officials have asked anyone who had contact with her around the weekend to share details that could help establish a precise timeline.

The family’s proof-of-life demand

In a recorded statement shared publicly, Nancy Guthrie’s children made an emotional appeal focused on urgency and safety rather than blame. They emphasized two points: proof of life is essential before any conversation about demands, and time matters because of Nancy Guthrie’s health needs.

The family has said she requires daily medication for a fragile heart condition and has limited mobility, which raises concerns about how long she can go without proper care. They have also urged the public to route any credible information directly to investigators so tips can be vetted quickly.

Investigators’ focus: scene evidence and a tight timeline

Detectives have been working to reconstruct what happened between the late-night drop-off and the time she was discovered missing the next day. Officials have referenced evidence collected at the residence, including forensic material, and have indicated that digital and video leads are a priority.

That effort includes:

• canvassing neighbors and nearby businesses for security footage

• attempting to recover video that may have been overwritten

• tracking a minute-by-minute timeline of phone calls, visits, and unusual activity

Investigators have also said they are speaking with anyone known to have interacted with Nancy Guthrie in the days leading up to her disappearance, including people connected to her regular routines.

The alleged ransom note under review

Law enforcement has acknowledged that alleged ransom communications are part of the investigative picture and said those materials are being examined for authenticity and investigative value. Officials have not released details of any demand publicly, and they have cautioned that unverified claims circulating outside official channels can complicate the search.

Separately, federal partners are assisting with components that often matter in abduction investigations, including specialized analysis of communications and technical support for digital evidence. Authorities have not confirmed whether the alleged messages are legitimate, a hoax, or unrelated to the disappearance.

What search “intensifies” means now

With no arrest announced, the search has shifted into a high-intensity phase built around leads that can be verified quickly—video, digital traces, and witness accounts. Officials have described a large investigative footprint, with teams returning to key locations and re-checking details as new tips arrive.

Key developments as of Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026:

• investigators continue to treat the home as a crime scene and pursue the case as an abduction

• no suspect has been named publicly

• alleged ransom communications are under review while detectives seek proof of life

• the public is being asked to share credible tips directly with law enforcement, especially anything tied to the overnight timeline

For the public, the most useful information is specific and time-stamped: sightings of an unfamiliar vehicle near the home, unusual late-night activity, doorbell camera clips that haven’t been shared, or any direct contact claiming knowledge of her whereabouts. Authorities have emphasized that even small details can help narrow search areas and identify patterns that don’t stand out in isolation.

Sources consulted: Associated Press; ABC News; CBS News; Fox 10 Phoenix