“She did not leave on her own, we know that,” Nanos told reporters during a Monday press conference. He added that, at this stage, law enforcement is “treating the property as a crime scene” rather than continuing a broad ground search.
Health Concerns Heighten Urgency
Family members informed deputies that Nancy Guthrie experiences limited mobility and certain medical issues that require consistent medication. The sheriff said the medication must be taken within 24 hours to avoid life-threatening complications. Although the older woman does not suffer from cognitive impairments, her physical condition reduces the likelihood that she could travel far without assistance.
Because more than a day has passed since she was last known to have access to her prescriptions, officials consider the situation time-sensitive. The sheriff’s office urged neighbors in the Catalina Foothills area to review home-security footage, check outbuildings and contact authorities with any observations.
Search Efforts and Public Safety
Deputies and search-and-rescue teams canvassed the immediate vicinity late into Sunday night, but they did not uncover any leads. The active ground search has been paused, though investigators continue to follow up on tips. Sheriff Nanos stated there is no indication that the broader public faces danger connected to the case.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department asked anyone with information to call 911 or reach detectives directly at 520-351-4900. In addition, the agency noted that tips can be submitted through the department’s online portal. For general guidance on reporting missing seniors, the National Institute on Aging offers resources that families may find helpful; additional information can be found on the institute’s website (nia.nih.gov).
Family Statement
Savannah Guthrie, the co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” program, released a brief statement through an NBCUniversal spokesperson. The message, read on air Monday morning by colleague Craig Melvin, expressed gratitude for public support and emphasized the family’s focus on Nancy Guthrie’s safe return. The statement also thanked law enforcement personnel for their efforts and reiterated the request for anyone with relevant information to contact the sheriff’s department.
No Wider Threat Detected
While the exact circumstances of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance remain unclear, Sheriff Nanos underscored that investigators have found no evidence suggesting an ongoing threat to area residents. The sheriff did not discuss potential suspects or motives but maintained that detectives are pursuing all avenues.
Community Response
The Catalina Foothills, an unincorporated community north of Tucson, is known for a mixture of suburban neighborhoods and desert terrain. Residents have shared missing-person flyers across social media platforms and local businesses. Several neighbors told deputies they are reviewing home-security recordings from Saturday night and Sunday morning to identify any unusual activity.
Imagem: Internet
Local volunteer groups familiar with the rugged landscape have also offered assistance should a renewed search become necessary. However, deputies indicated that any future ground operations will depend on the direction of the ongoing criminal investigation.
Profile: Nancy Guthrie
Nancy Guthrie is a longtime Arizona resident and an active member of her church community. Family members describe her as independent despite her physical limitations. She typically relies on relatives for transportation and operates within a close network of friends and neighbors. According to the sheriff’s office, she did not have travel plans, and no personal items appear to be missing from her home.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Forensic specialists continue to analyze evidence collected from the residence. Deputies are conducting interviews with family members, neighbors and potential witnesses. Surveillance footage from traffic cameras and nearby businesses is also under review.
Law enforcement officials have not provided a timeline for when additional updates may be released. They have asked the community to refrain from speculation and to report verified information directly to detectives.
How the Public Can Help
- Review any exterior camera footage recorded between 9:45 p.m. Saturday and noon Sunday.
- Check sheds, garages or other structures where a person might seek temporary shelter.
- Report sightings of individuals matching Nancy Guthrie’s description: an 84-year-old white woman with limited mobility.
- Share official missing-person bulletins issued by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
Officials noted that false leads can divert critical resources, so they encouraged residents to rely on confirmed information from the sheriff’s department or other verified agencies.
National Context
While individual circumstances vary, cases involving older adults with health conditions often require rapid intervention. The U.S. Department of Justice reports that missing seniors who depend on medication face heightened risks. Public awareness and prompt reporting are considered key factors in successful resolutions (ojp.gov).
As of Monday afternoon, Nancy Guthrie remains missing, and her home continues to be secured by law enforcement personnel. The sheriff’s department reiterated that any development will be shared through official channels.
Crédito da imagem: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images
