Tragic Twist in Search for Savannah Guthrie's Missing Mother

Second alleged ransom note suggests Nancy Guthrie has died during captivity

Mar. 30, 2026 at 1:11am

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The search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of television journalist Savannah Guthrie, has taken a tragic turn as a second alleged ransom note suggests the elderly woman has died during her captivity. The note reportedly states that Nancy 'has gone to be with God' due to an unexpected heart condition, with the captors expressing regret for the fatal outcome.

Why it matters

This development adds a devastating new layer to a high-profile missing persons case that has gripped the nation. Savannah Guthrie's mother has been missing for nearly two months, with the family previously receiving ransom demands that they did not pay. The new note claiming Nancy's death raises serious questions about the captors' actions and the fate of the 77-year-old woman.

The details

According to reports, the second alleged ransom note did not contain further demands for money, but rather an apology from the captors. They claimed that Nancy's underlying heart condition had unexpectedly led to her death during the ordeal, and that they had not anticipated the seriousness of her medical issues. The note was reportedly sent to Savannah Guthrie, who had previously received ransom demands for $4 million and then $6 million in Bitcoin, with no proof of life provided.

  • Nancy Guthrie has been missing for nearly two months.
  • The initial ransom demand was made on February 5, with a deadline of that same day.
  • A second ransom note arrived on February 5, containing the alleged details of Nancy's death.
  • Savannah Guthrie responded to the second note two days later, on February 7, pleading for her mother's return.
  • Savannah Guthrie is set to return to the 'Today' program on April 6.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

The 77-year-old mother of television journalist Savannah Guthrie, who has been missing for nearly two months after a ransom demand was made.

Savannah Guthrie

The television journalist whose mother, Nancy Guthrie, has been the subject of a high-profile missing persons case and ransom demand.

Megyn Kelly

The veteran journalist who cited reports from the account Nerdy Addict regarding the second alleged ransom note in a recent episode of 'The Megyn Kelly Show'.

James Hamilton

A former FBI and security expert who did not consider the apology note significant, describing the correspondence as the behavior of 'scam artists' who prey on 'grief' and 'vulnerability'.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who previously noted that Nancy Guthrie requires daily medication, and that missing doses could pose a serious risk to her health.

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What they’re saying

“They're saying anything they can to get paid. It really doesn't move the needle a lot for me.”

— James Hamilton, Former FBI and security expert

“the reporting she had previously relied upon from the account in Nancy's case 'has all proven to be very sound', which was her reason for sharing it.”

— Megyn Kelly, Veteran journalist

What’s next

The Scottsdale Police Department has urged the public to refrain from unfounded speculation, and confirmed that the discovery of a female body in a canal near Nancy Guthrie's family home was not related to her case. Savannah Guthrie is set to return to the 'Today' program on April 6.

The takeaway

This tragic development in the search for Savannah Guthrie's mother highlights the devastating human toll of kidnapping and ransom cases, and the anguish experienced by families caught in such harrowing situations. It also raises serious questions about the actions of the captors and the need for improved protections and support for victims of such crimes.