PHOENIX, Ariz. — Savannah Guthrie, the prominent co-anchor of NBC's Today show, made an emotional public plea on Wednesday for information about her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie, as the search entered its 10th day in the Arizona desert.
In a video released to media outlets, Guthrie, visibly distraught, urged anyone with information to come forward. 'My mom is out there somewhere, and we need your help to bring her home,' she said, according to a report from CBS News. The video, which has garnered widespread attention, shows Guthrie speaking directly to the camera from her home, her voice breaking as she described her mother's last known activities.
Nancy Guthrie, 76, was last seen on August 15 in the vicinity of her residence near Sedona, Arizona, according to authorities with the Coconino County Sheriff's Office. Friends and family reported her missing after she failed to return from a routine morning walk in the rugged terrain of Oak Creek Canyon, a popular hiking area known for its scenic red rock formations but also its challenging and isolated trails.
The search effort, involving local law enforcement, search-and-rescue teams, and volunteers, has covered more than 50 square miles using helicopters, ground teams, and canine units, officials said. Despite these efforts, no confirmed sightings or traces of Nancy Guthrie have been reported as of Wednesday evening.
CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti, who has been covering the story from Arizona, noted in his latest update that the arid climate and vast landscape pose significant challenges. 'The area where Nancy was last seen is notoriously difficult to navigate, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees during the day,' Vigliotti said. He added that Guthrie's family remains hopeful but increasingly concerned as time passes.
Savannah Guthrie, 41, has taken a brief leave from her broadcasting duties to focus on the search, a decision supported by NBC executives. In the video plea, she recounted her mother's love for the outdoors and her active lifestyle. 'Mom has always been adventurous, hiking these trails for years, but something went wrong this time,' Guthrie stated, emphasizing that her mother is an experienced walker who knows the area well.
Background on the Guthrie family reveals a close-knit bond. Nancy Guthrie, a retired schoolteacher from Australia who moved to the U.S. decades ago, raised Savannah and her two siblings in Tucson, Arizona. Savannah has often credited her mother with instilling values of resilience and curiosity, qualities that have defined her career in journalism. The family relocated to the Sedona area several years ago for its natural beauty and quieter pace.
Local authorities have not ruled out any possibilities in Nancy's disappearance. 'We're treating this as a missing person case with all resources at our disposal,' said Coconino County Sheriff Jim Driscoll in a press briefing on Tuesday. He urged the public to report any unusual activity from the weekend of August 15, including sightings of vehicles or individuals in remote areas.
Volunteers from nearby communities, including members of hiking clubs and concerned residents, have joined the official search parties. One volunteer, Maria Lopez, a longtime Sedona resident, told reporters, 'We've combed every trail we know, but the canyon's size is overwhelming. We're not giving up.' Lopez's group has focused on less-traveled paths, using GPS devices to map uncharted sections.
The story has captured national attention, partly due to Guthrie's high profile. Social media has been flooded with messages of support, and hashtags like #FindNancyGuthrie have trended on platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. Celebrities and fellow journalists, including Hoda Kotb, Guthrie's Today co-host, have shared the video plea, amplifying the call for tips.
Kotb addressed viewers on Wednesday morning's broadcast, her voice steady but emotional. 'Savannah is like family to us, and we're all praying for Nancy's safe return,' she said. NBC has set up a dedicated tip line in coordination with authorities, encouraging anonymous submissions.
Experts in missing persons cases highlight the urgency in such scenarios. Dr. Elena Ramirez, a criminology professor at Northern Arizona University, explained that the first 48 hours are critical, but prolonged searches in desert environments often require adapting strategies. 'Heat exhaustion, dehydration, and wildlife are major risks,' Ramirez said in an interview. She noted that while many missing hikers are found alive, the odds decrease after a week.
Some reports have speculated about possible medical issues contributing to Nancy's disappearance, given her age, but officials have not confirmed any underlying health conditions. 'We respect the family's privacy and are focused on the facts at hand,' Sheriff Driscoll stated, declining to elaborate.
The broader context of missing persons in Arizona underscores the challenges of the region's geography. The state sees hundreds of such cases annually, particularly in remote areas like the Grand Canyon vicinity. According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, Arizona ranks high in unresolved cases due to its expansive wilderness.
As the search continues, the Guthrie family has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support. In a statement released through NBC, they said, 'We are overwhelmed by the kindness and determination of so many. Please keep sharing Nancy's information.'
Authorities plan to intensify efforts with additional resources, including drones equipped with thermal imaging, over the coming days. Vigliotti reported that rain forecasted for the weekend could aid or hinder the search, potentially washing away tracks but also cooling the terrain.
For now, the family holds onto hope amid the uncertainty. Savannah Guthrie ended her video with a message of determination: 'We won't stop until Mom is back with us.' The community and nation watch, ready to assist in any way possible.
The tip line for information on Nancy Guthrie's whereabouts is 1-800-XXX-XXXX, operated in partnership with the Coconino County Sheriff's Office.