Police Suspect Abduction of US TV Anchor's Elderly Mother from Arizona Home
Authorities in Arizona are investigating the suspected abduction of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of prominent NBC television anchor Savannah Guthrie. Police believe she was taken against her will from her bed in the middle of the night, sparking a frantic search and grave concerns for her wellbeing.
Disappearance from Affluent Tucson Neighbourhood
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing by family members shortly before noon on Sunday, having last been seen at her home in Tucson's affluent Catalina Foothills area late on Saturday night. Detectives now suspect she was forcibly removed from her residence during the early hours, leaving behind critical personal items including her phone, wallet, car and vital medication.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told reporters that investigators are convinced she did not leave voluntarily. 'She did not walk away,' he stated emphatically. 'We believe she was forced to leave that residence. It was against her will.'
Grave Health Concerns Without Medication
Sheriff Nanos expressed particular alarm about Nancy Guthrie's medical situation, noting she requires regular medication for survival. 'This is about an 84-year-old woman who is sick, who needs her medications, who in the middle of the night was taken from her bedroom,' he explained. 'If she is alive, she needs her medication and it's been well over 24 hours. That in itself could be fatal, and that's scary.'
He added that medical consultations confirmed she has physical limitations that would prevent her from walking away independently, and she suffers from no cognitive impairments like dementia or Alzheimer's. 'She is very sharp witted, of good mind,' Nanos noted. 'So we know she would know what was going on around here.'
Chaotic Scene at Million-Dollar Property
Nancy Guthrie lives alone in a property valued at approximately $1 million, where detectives discovered lights left on in communal areas and the front door unlocked. While there were no obvious signs of forced entry, police say elements of the scene prompted 'grave concern', leading homicide detectives to assist and the FBI to be notified.
Neighbours described a chaotic scene as police searched for her on Sunday, with an intense police presence including flashing lights and a helicopter circling overhead. One resident remarked that such activity was 'very unusual' for the normally quiet, upscale neighbourhood.
Massive Search Operation Underway
Law enforcement has launched an extensive search operation involving:
- Door-to-door inquiries throughout the community
- Collection of doorbell and security camera footage
- Search for a vehicle of interest
- Deployment of helicopters, drones with infrared cameras, and search dogs
- Involvement of volunteer rescue teams
- Coordination with Customs and Border Protection due to the home's proximity to the Mexican border
Sheriff Nanos emphasised that 'there's nothing to indicate cartel or border issues' despite the border agency's involvement, adding that investigators are 'throwing everything' at the search while hoping to 'find her safe and sound.'
Family Impact and National Attention
The disappearance has had immediate personal and professional consequences for the Guthrie family. Savannah Guthrie, 54, who was scheduled to co-host NBC's Olympic coverage from Milan this week, has withdrawn from the appearance. An NBC source confirmed 'There is no way Savannah will be there.'
On Monday morning, emotion spilled onto national television as Today show co-host Jenna Bush Hager addressed viewers through tears. 'I know her personally,' she said of Savannah Guthrie. 'And we want to just report, too, that she takes daily medication and she needs them for survival. She's without her medication. We are thinking of our dearest, dearest Savannah and her whole family right now in our prayers.'
Appeal for Public Assistance
Savannah Guthrie issued a statement through NBC expressing gratitude for public support while focusing on her mother's safe return. 'I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers, and messages of support,' she said. 'Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom. We thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case and encourage anyone, anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff's office.'
The Pima County Sheriff's Office has urged residents to check home surveillance footage and report anything suspicious. Authorities said they do not believe the public is in immediate danger but are exploring all investigative angles, including whether Nancy Guthrie was targeted because of her daughter's high-profile career.
Nancy Guthrie had spent Saturday evening having dinner and playing mahjong with Savannah Guthrie's sister before returning home. She was last seen near her house at around 9.45pm, with family members raising the alarm the following morning after she failed to attend church services as planned.
