The serene suburbs of North Tucson have been transformed into the center of a tense, multi-agency manhunt following the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. What started as a missing person’s report has escalated into a full-blown criminal investigation, with Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos personally overseeing the operation. Evidence discovered inside the family home suggests a far more sinister scenario than a simple case of an elderly woman wandering off.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of Saturday, February 21, 2026, around 9:30 p.m. at her residence near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue, nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Known for its winding roads and rugged terrain, the area poses inherent risks, especially for someone of Nancy’s age and fragile health. It wasn’t until noon the following day that her absence was noticed, triggering a massive law enforcement response.
Sheriff Nanos has described the situation as “chilling.” While Nancy is reportedly of sound mind, her limited mobility and physical vulnerabilities make it nearly impossible for her to travel far without assistance. These factors have prompted authorities to treat the case as a potential abduction. A homicide unit is now on-site, and the department is “throwing everything” into the search.
The operation has grown into a high-tech, multi-layered effort. Helicopters equipped with thermal imaging sweep the desert foothills, while drones comb the brush and drainage areas. Federal agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, have joined the hunt, adding specialized aerial and search-and-rescue resources. Authorities are canvassing local neighborhoods, requesting residents to review doorbell and surveillance footage for suspicious vehicles or individuals between 9:00 p.m. Saturday and noon Sunday.
At the center of the storm is Savannah Guthrie, who has remained a steady force on the “Today” show while appealing to the public for help. Her message has been clear: the focus must be on bringing her mother home safely. The family, known for valuing privacy, is now thrust into a global spotlight, with the public rallying in support.
Inside the Guthrie home, investigators have uncovered “troubling details” that have shifted the case from a welfare check to a criminal inquiry. While Sheriff Nanos has withheld specifics to protect the integrity of the investigation, forensic teams continue to process evidence and maintain a tight perimeter. The use of the word “crime” indicates investigators suspect foul play rather than an accidental disappearance.
The Tucson community has responded with concern and urgency. While volunteers are eager to assist, the rugged terrain makes unsupervised searches risky. Instead, authorities have encouraged digital contributions—doorbell and security camera footage are now crucial in tracking any suspicious activity.
Time is critical. With Nancy’s age and health concerns, every hour counts. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is urging anyone with information—no matter how small—to call 520-351-4900. This high-profile investigation, combining a vulnerable individual, a well-known media family, and potential criminal activity, has the nation watching, hoping for a breakthrough.
The search continues, and every lead matters. For Savannah Guthrie and her family, the world waits with bated breath, hoping for Nancy’s safe return.
If you have any information, no matter how small, contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department immediately and help bring Nancy Guthrie home. Share this story to raise awareness and support the search.