The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC’s “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has taken a darker turn with police confirming a single, unexplained entry event logged at approximately 12:43 a.m. on February 1, 2026—just hours after she was last seen alive at her home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson, Arizona.
Pima County Sheriff’s Department officials, led by Sheriff Chris Nanos, revealed during updates that investigators believe this entry—likely captured via a home security system, doorbell camera, or alarm log—occurred in the early morning hours after family members dropped Nancy off around 9:45 p.m. on January 31. The event suggests someone she may have recognized approached and was admitted, or that access was gained without immediate alarm. “She did not leave on her own,” Nanos emphasized, ruling out wandering due to her limited mobility—she could walk no more than 50 yards independently—and her reliance on daily life-saving medication. Without it, officials warned, her condition could become fatal within days.
The home is now an active crime scene, with homicide detectives involved from the outset. Reports from law enforcement sources indicate signs of forced entry were discovered, alongside a small amount of blood inside the residence (origin unknown and undergoing DNA testing). Nancy’s personal items—cellphone, wallet, keys, and vehicle—remained undisturbed at the property, further supporting the theory of an abrupt abduction rather than voluntary departure. No ransom demands have been reported, and authorities have not identified suspects publicly.
The timeline unfolded quietly at first. Nancy, who lived alone in the affluent, desert-landscaped neighborhood, was last seen by family after they returned her home following an evening together. She failed to attend church the next morning, prompting a concerned call from a friend or congregant to relatives. Family members rushed over, searched the house and grounds for nearly an hour, then called 911 around noon on February 1. What they found inside prompted immediate escalation: the scene was “very concerning,” per Nanos, shifting the case from a welfare check to a suspected kidnapping or abduction.
Savannah Guthrie, who traveled to Arizona upon learning of the disappearance, issued a statement through NBC: “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.” She described her mother as sharp-minded and independent, not someone prone to wandering or confusion. Savannah has asked for continued prayers as the family clings to hope.
The case has gripped the public, amplified by Savannah Guthrie’s high-profile role on national television. Neighbors in the Catalina Foothills—a quiet, upscale enclave of custom homes amid saguaro cacti and gravel drives—have mobilized, sharing concerns about safety in a community that feels insulated from such violence. Some residents reported hearing or seeing nothing unusual that night, while others noted increased patrols and media presence.
Nancy Guthrie’s vulnerability—age, health needs, and living alone—has heightened urgency. Sheriff Nanos stressed the medication factor repeatedly: “If she’s alive right now, her meds are vital. I can’t stress that enough. It’s been better than 24 hours.” As of February 4, 2026, no breakthroughs have been announced, but the logged entry has sharpened focus on who might have been granted access in those predawn hours.
The investigation continues to evolve, with authorities appealing for public vigilance. In a region where celebrity ties rarely intersect with such grim mysteries, the story underscores how quickly safety can shatter—even in familiar homes. Family, friends, and a nationwide audience await answers, hoping the single logged entry becomes the key to bringing Nancy home safely.
