By Clara Wilson
A frantic and high-stakes search is underway in Arizona after the mother of NBC’s TODAY show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie vanished from her home. Authorities report that Nancy Guthrie missing person posters are now circulating throughout Tucson following her disappearance on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Law enforcement officials have categorized the investigation as an active crime scene. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos expressed “grave concern” regarding the circumstances found at the 84-year-old’s residence. Homicide detectives have joined the search, and officials have not ruled out foul play.
Police Suspect Foul Play at Crime Scene
The timeline of the disappearance begins on the evening of Saturday, January 31, 2026. Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home around 9:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Her residence is located in an upscale area near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue in the foothills north of Tucson.
The situation escalated the following day. Family members or associates reported her missing at noon on Sunday, February 1. Deputies from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department responded to the home to conduct a standard welfare check and initial investigation.
However, what officers found inside the home changed the nature of the case immediately. Sheriff Chris Nanos addressed the media regarding the initial findings. He stated that specific aspects of the scene inside the residence prompted “grave concern” among the responding deputies.
Consequently, the Sheriff’s Department has treated the home as a crime scene rather than a standard missing person location. Investigators cordoned off the property with crime scene tape. Forensic technicians spent Sunday and Monday processing the house for evidence.
Authorities have been candid about the gravity of the situation. They stated explicitly that they have not ruled out foul play. This terminology suggests that investigators believe a criminal act may have occurred, rather than Nancy wandering off or suffering a medical episode in isolation.
Homicide Detectives Join the Investigation
The specific classification of the case highlights its severity. Officials noted that Homicide detectives are actively leading parts of the investigation. The Sheriff’s Department clarified that bringing in homicide units is not standard protocol for a typical missing person case.
This escalation indicates that law enforcement possesses evidence suggesting Nancy did not leave the home voluntarily. The involvement of these specialized detectives allows the department to utilize more resources and investigative techniques than a standard patrol response would permit.
The search effort has quickly become a multi-agency operation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is assisting local authorities. Their involvement brings federal resources and forensic capabilities to the case.
Additionally, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has joined the search. CBP often provides aerial support, such as helicopters or drones, which are crucial for searching the rugged terrain surrounding Tucson. The desert landscape near East Skyline Drive can be difficult to navigate on foot, making aerial surveillance a vital tool.
Critical Medical Concerns and Physical Limits
Time is a critical factor in the search because of Nancy Guthrie’s health. At 84 years old, she faces significant physical challenges. Investigators provided details regarding her medical condition to emphasize the urgency of the hunt.
Family members described Nancy as cognitively “sharp.” She does not suffer from dementia or confusion, which rules out the theory that she simply wandered away in a confused state. However, her physical limitations are severe.
Authorities emphasized that Nancy could not have walked far on her own. Her mobility issues would prevent her from traversing the distance away from her home without assistance or a vehicle.
Furthermore, Nancy requires daily medication. Law enforcement officials warned that missing these doses could be fatal. Specifically, they noted that going without her medication for more than 24 hours poses a life-threatening risk.
Given that she was last seen on Saturday night, that critical 24-hour window has already passed. This medical reality has intensified the search efforts. Rescue teams are working against the clock to locate her before her health deteriorates irreversibly.
Savannah Guthrie Absent from TODAY Show
The personal toll of the Nancy Guthrie missing case was visible on national television Monday morning. Savannah Guthrie was notably absent from the anchor desk of the TODAY show.
Her co-anchors addressed her absence at the top of the broadcast. They shared the heartbreaking news with the viewing audience. Hoda Kotb and the rest of the team expressed their support for their colleague during this terrifying time.
The family released a brief statement through the network. They requested privacy as they navigate the crisis.
“Our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom,” the statement read. “We thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case.”
Savannah Guthrie is a Tucson native. She grew up in the area and maintains close ties to the community. Her mother, Nancy, is a well-known and beloved figure in Savannah’s life, often mentioned fondly on the show. The news has triggered an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues across the media landscape.
Description and Public Assistance
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is urging the public to remain vigilant. They have released a physical description of Nancy Guthrie to aid in the search.
Nancy is described as a white female. She stands approximately 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs around 150 pounds. She has brown hair and blue eyes.
Investigators do not know what clothing she was wearing at the time of her disappearance. This lack of detail suggests she may have been taken from her home unexpectedly, possibly while in sleepwear or casual house clothes.
Residents in the Tucson area, specifically near the Catalina Foothills, are asked to check their properties. Homeowners should look in backyards, outbuildings, or any areas where a person could be concealed.
Video surveillance is also a key component of the investigation. Police are asking neighbors with doorbell cameras or security systems to review footage from Saturday night and Sunday morning. Any vehicle or person seen entering or leaving the area of East Skyline Drive could be a vital clue.
How to Report Information
The investigation remains active and fluid. Detectives are following up on every lead. The public plays a crucial role in these early stages.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Nancy Guthrie should act immediately. Even small details that seem insignificant could help investigators piece together the timeline.
You can contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department directly at 520-351-4900. In an emergency, or if you see someone matching Nancy’s description, please call 911.
wfbnews.com will continue to monitor the search for Nancy Guthrie missing in Arizona. We will provide updates on the investigation and any statements from the family as they become available.
