The mysterious disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of prominent Today show host Savannah Guthrie, has escalated into a criminal investigation in Arizona, with law enforcement officials expressing serious concerns for her safety and wellbeing.
Police Shift Focus to Criminal Investigation
Authorities in Pima County, Arizona, confirmed on Monday that they are now treating Nancy Guthrie's disappearance as a potential crime rather than a simple missing persons case. The shift in focus comes after investigators determined the circumstances surrounding her vanishing were highly suspicious and inconsistent with someone simply wandering away.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos provided crucial details about the investigation, stating emphatically that Nancy Guthrie "did not leave on her own" and that her disappearance cannot be attributed to cognitive decline or dementia. "Nancy Guthrie is of great sound mind; this is not dementia related. She is as sharp as a tack," Sheriff Nanos emphasized during a press briefing.
Critical Medical Concerns
Perhaps most alarmingly, authorities revealed that Nancy Guthrie requires essential medication that could prove fatal if she goes without it for more than 24 hours. This medical vulnerability has heightened concerns about her welfare and created additional urgency in the search efforts.
The seriousness of the situation was underscored when Savannah Guthrie was absent from her regular hosting duties on the Today show Monday morning. During the broadcast, co-host Jenna Bush Hager addressed the situation directly, informing viewers that her colleague's mother was missing and "without medication that she needs for survival."
Family Statement and Investigation Details
The Guthrie family has issued a formal statement acknowledging the situation and confirming their cooperation with law enforcement. "We can confirm this is a missing persons case, and the family is working closely with local law enforcement," the statement read.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills area just outside Tucson, Arizona, on Saturday night. Authorities describe her as a "vulnerable adult" with limited mobility, making her disappearance particularly concerning. She stands at 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighs approximately 150 pounds, and has brown hair and blue eyes.
Search Operation Transformed
Sheriff Nanos confirmed that what began as a search operation has now transformed into a crime scene investigation. The change in approach reflects growing evidence that Nancy Guthrie's disappearance involved suspicious circumstances rather than being a simple case of an elderly person becoming lost or confused.
Nancy Guthrie has two other children besides Savannah: an older daughter named Annie and a son named Camron, who serves as a pilot with the Air National Guard. The family's involvement in the investigation has been described as close and cooperative by authorities.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about Nancy Guthrie's whereabouts to contact the Pima County Sheriff's Office immediately at 520-351-4900. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine what happened to the missing woman and bring her home safely.
