Search for Savannah Guthrie’s Mom Nancy Is a ‘Race Against Time,’ Says Sheriff: ‘I Hope That Window Hasn’t Closed’

Authorities in Arizona say they are increasingly worried about the safety of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie, who has been missing for more than 48 hours.

“It is a race against time, and I hope that window hasn’t closed,” Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told NBC’s Liz Kreutz in an interview for the Today show that aired Tuesday, Feb. 3.

Nancy, a mother of three, was reported missing by her family over the weekend. Investigators say they currently have no solid leads and are again urging the public to come forward with any information that could help.

Sheriff Nanos said authorities believe Nancy may have been “abducted,” explaining the term as: “When you’re taken from your bed and you don’t want to go somewhere, that’s an abduction.” The Pima County Sheriff’s Department later clarified to NBC News that Nanos meant the wording figuratively and “did not mean that she was literally taken from her bed.”

Nancy was last seen around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, at her home near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has since classified the residence as a crime scene, citing what officials described as “very concerning” conditions.

Investigators have collected evidence from the home as they work to determine what happened. “We took some samples that we hope would have profile of a DNA, profile that gives us some identification as to what we’re looking at,” Nanos told NBC.

While the sheriff has said Nancy has “no cognitive issues” and is “very alert” and “of good, sound mind,” he also noted she is “not in good physical health.” According to Nanos, she relies on medication that could become life-threatening if she goes without it for more than 24 hours.

On Monday, Feb. 2, Nanos told reporters investigators believe a crime occurred, describing the situation as more of a “crime scene” than a “search mission,” and emphasized that authorities need the public’s help.

As part of the investigation, officials are reviewing surveillance footage and license plate reader data and coordinating searches in the area. “We know she didn’t just walk out of there,” Nanos said at a press conference.

Savannah, 54, did not appear on the Today show on Feb. 2 or 3 and is currently with her family in Arizona during the investigation. On Monday night, she posted on Instagram urging her followers to “please pray.”

On Tuesday, co-host Carson Daly shared, “I hit my knees and prayed and I don’t think I’ve ever prayed for anything harder in my life.” Craig Melvin also urged anyone with information to come forward, saying, “Again, we know someone out there knows something. Call.”

Savannah also released a statement to the Today show, which her colleagues read during the broadcast: “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 sheriff said the Guthrie family has been fully cooperative throughout the investigation and confirmed that the FBI is also assisting.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department describes Nancy as a woman with brown hair and blue eyes. She is 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs around 150 pounds.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.