A close source to the Guthrie family is clarifying the timeline surrounding Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, correcting inaccuracies that have surfaced in initial reports. The details of Sunday, February 1st, have been misconstrued, leading to confusion about the early hours of the investigation.
Early accounts suggested Nancy Guthrie was expected at an in-person church service in Tucson when she was reported missing. However, the family source reveals this is not true. For years, Nancy had maintained a consistent Sunday routine with a small circle of friends, one that shifted during the pandemic and never returned to traditional services.
Instead of attending a local church, Nancy and her friends had been gathering weekly to watch a livestream of a New York-based church service. This service was particularly meaningful as it was from the church attended by Nancy’s daughter, Savannah Guthrie, the well-known co-anchor of the "TODAY" show.
On the day she vanished, Nancy was anticipated at a friend’s home for their usual Sunday viewing. When she didn’t arrive, immediate concern arose within the group. A friend contacted Annie, Nancy’s daughter and Savannah’s sister, to report Nancy’s absence and inability to be reached.
The source stressed the importance of understanding Nancy was never scheduled to be in Tucson that day. This misunderstanding fueled early speculation and complicated the initial search efforts. The family is focused on setting the record straight to aid the investigation.
As the search intensified, Savannah Guthrie publicly pleaded for help, describing the situation as a desperate hour. Authorities were investigating a potential ransom note connected to her mother’s disappearance, adding another layer of urgency to the case.
Savannah implored anyone with information to come forward, as investigators raced against a deadline outlined in the unauthenticated note. That deadline passed Monday night without any confirmation of Nancy’s well-being or a resolution to the situation.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed they are actively pursuing new leads, but have yet to identify any suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles linked to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. The investigation remains a top priority.
A spokesperson for the department stated the investigation is ongoing and requires time and space to proceed effectively. They assured the public that relevant information will be shared as it becomes available, but stressed the need for discretion at this critical stage.
Law enforcement maintained a visible presence at the Guthrie residences throughout the night and into Tuesday, continuing expanded search efforts and diligently following up on every lead. Details of the investigative process are being withheld to protect its integrity.
Authorities acknowledged the overwhelming public response, reporting thousands of calls received through multiple tip lines. Investigators are meticulously reviewing each piece of information provided by concerned citizens.
Anyone with information, no matter how small, is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department non-emergency line at 520-351-4900, or 88-CRIME to assist in the search.