In the weeks following the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, a second communication linked to the case reportedly stated that she had died after being taken from her home. The existence and general content of this message became public knowledge in mid-to-late June 2026 through reporting by several major outlets, though the full text had not yet been released by authorities at that time.
Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was last seen on the evening of January 31, 2026, when family members dropped her off at her residence in the Catalina Foothills near Tucson, Arizona. She was reported missing the next day after she failed to join a planned virtual church service. Investigators have treated the case as a suspected abduction.
According to reports citing people familiar with the investigation, the first note demanded a large sum of money in Bitcoin in exchange for Nancy’s safe return. A second message, sent a few days later, allegedly indicated that she had died. Unlike the first communication, this second note contained no demand for payment related to the return of her remains and offered no apology, according to the early accounts. Tucson television station KOLD News 13, which received both messages, reported that the notes did not originate from the same IP address but appeared to use the same type of secure server to conceal the sender’s location. Investigators familiar with the case believed the same person or people were likely responsible for both messages.
Authorities first publicly acknowledged the second message on February 6, 2026. In a joint statement, the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said they were aware of the new communication and were examining it to determine its authenticity. The following day, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released an emotional video appeal. In the message, Savannah stated that the family had received the communication, understood it, and begged for their mother’s return so they could celebrate with her. She emphasized that this was the only way the family would find peace.
As of the June 2026 reporting, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that the investigation remained active and ongoing. Detectives continued to work closely with the FBI, following leads and reviewing available information. The FBI declined to comment specifically on the note at that time.
Later developments
In late July 2026, authorities publicly released the full text of both notes in an effort to generate new tips. The second note, once disclosed in full, stated that Nancy had died shortly after being taken, that the senders had not fully grasped the seriousness of her physical condition, that they believed the cause was heart-related, and that she had been “buried in nature.” The message expressed regret and said nothing the family could have done would have changed the outcome.
As of early September 2026 — more than seven months after Nancy Guthrie disappeared — the investigation continues. Officials have maintained that the case is not considered cold, with ongoing work focused on DNA analysis, digital evidence, and large volumes of video footage. A substantial reward remains available for information that leads to answers.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or the local tip line.
Sources : PEOPLE
