Savannah Guthrie Urges Public Prayers in Search for Missing Mother
Savannah Guthrie, the esteemed host of NBC's "Today" show, has made a heartfelt public appeal for prayers to aid in the safe return of her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie. Authorities in Arizona suspect that the 84-year-old woman may have been kidnapped, abducted, or taken against her will, heightening concerns for her wellbeing.
Emotional Plea from Guthrie on Social Media
In a poignant social media post shared late on Monday, Savannah Guthrie expressed her family's deep distress and faith. She wrote, "thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant. raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment." She concluded with a simple yet powerful plea: "Bring her home." This message has resonated widely, drawing support from viewers and the public alike.
Critical Medical Concerns Highlighted by Sheriff
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has issued a stark warning about Nancy Guthrie's health, emphasising the urgency of finding her soon. He stated, "If she's alive right now her meds are vital. I can't stress that enough. It's been better than 24 hours, and the family tells us if she doesn't have those meds, it can become fatal." This underscores the life-threatening nature of her disappearance without access to necessary medications.
Investigation and Search Efforts Underway
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on Saturday night at her home in the Tucson area, where she lives alone. She was reported missing on Sunday after a family member was alerted by someone at her church who noted her absence. Upon searching her home and finding no trace, the family promptly contacted emergency services. Sheriff Nanos confirmed that Savannah Guthrie is currently in Arizona, having grown up in Tucson, graduated from the University of Arizona, and previously worked as a reporter and anchor at KVOA-TV in the city.
Authorities are investigating the possibility that Nancy was taken overnight, with limited mobility making it unlikely she left on her own. Sheriff Nanos has assured the public that she is of sound mind, ruling out confusion or voluntary departure as factors. The search has involved extensive resources, including:
- Drones and search dogs deployed across the area.
- Support from volunteers and Border Patrol teams.
- Involvement of the homicide unit and an offer of assistance from the FBI.
Despite these efforts, search crews were pulled back on Monday, with Sheriff Nanos remarking, "We don't see this as a search mission so much as it is a crime scene," indicating a shift towards criminal investigation. However, a sheriff's helicopter continued to fly over the desert near her home in the affluent Catalina Foothills area on Tucson's northern edge.
Background and Community Impact
For a second consecutive day, the "Today" show opened with coverage of Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, though Savannah Guthrie was notably absent from the anchor's desk as she focuses on the situation in Arizona. The community has rallied in support, with the case drawing significant media attention due to the high-profile nature of the Guthrie family. Nancy's home, described as a brick property with a gravel driveway and a yard adorned with Prickly Pear and Saguaro cactus, stands as a quiet reminder of the urgency behind the search.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward, while the public joins in prayer for a swift and safe resolution.
