Authorities in Arizona launched an urgent search late Sunday for the mother of NBC “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie after the 84-year-old vanished from her Tucson home.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen around 9:30 p.m. Saturday at her residence near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue, north of the city, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said.
A family member reported her missing around noon Sunday, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, prompting an escalating response as investigators uncovered troubling details at the home.
“We’re pretty much just throwing everything at this that we can. Guthrie is 84 years old and is not of good physical health, and so naturally that’s a great concern,” Nanos told reporters, adding that what deputies found at the house raised “some concerns for us as well.”
“This is very concerning to us. We don’t typically get the sheriff out at a scene like this. But it’s very concerning what we’re learning from the house,” Nanos said. “And so we’ll just continue. The detective’s homicide team is out right now looking at the scene as well.”
Nanos confirmed the missing woman is Savannah Guthrie’s mother. He said she is of “good sound mind” but suffers from physical ailments that limit her mobility.
Investigators are not ruling out foul play and have brought in the department’s criminal investigation unit due to the seriousness of the circumstances, the sheriff said.
Authorities are using helicopters, infrared, and drones in the search. Assistance has also been requested from Customs and Border Protection, NBC reporter Tom Winter said.
Volunteers are aiding search-and-rescue efforts, while detectives are asking residents in the area to review any home surveillance or doorbell camera footage that could provide clues.
Savannah Guthrie released a statement on NBC’s “Today” on Monday morning as the search continued.
“On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support. Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom,” the statement said.
“We thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case and encourage anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s department at: 520-351-4900,” it continued.
