Investigators Use 'Hail Mary' Tactic in Search for Missing Arizona Woman

Nancy Guthrie, 84-year-old mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has been missing for over two weeks.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 4:39am

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Investigators in the case of the missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie are using a 'signal sniffer' device that can detect various signals, including one from a pacemaker, as they continue to search for her. The helicopter carrying the device is flying slowly and at a low altitude over the area where investigators are searching. A former FBI agent said this 'Hail Mary' tactic is unlikely to yield results, but it's worth trying.

Why it matters

Nancy Guthrie's disappearance has received significant public attention, as she is the mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie. Investigators believe she did not leave her home on her own, and her disappearance raises concerns about her safety and well-being, as she needs daily medication that could be fatal if she misses.

The details

Investigators are using a 'signal sniffer,' a device that can detect various signals, including one from a pacemaker, as they continue to search for Nancy. The helicopter carrying the device is flying slowly and at a low altitude over the area where investigators are searching. Former FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer said the signal sniffer is a 'great tool' developed to pick up different signals, but the pacemaker would be at such a great distance that it's unlikely to yield results. She called it a 'Hail Mary' tactic.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood of Tucson, Arizona, on January 31.
  • Alleged ransom notes were sent to multiple news outlets after her disappearance.
  • Nancy's pacemaker app showed that it had disconnected from her phone at approximately 2:28 a.m. on February 1.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who has been missing for over two weeks from her home in Tucson, Arizona. She is the mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie.

Savannah Guthrie

The co-host of the Today show and the daughter of the missing Nancy Guthrie.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff, who has provided updates on the investigation and stated that the Guthrie family has been cleared as possible suspects.

Jennifer Coffindaffer

A former FBI agent who commented on the effectiveness of the 'signal sniffer' device being used by investigators.

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What they’re saying

“It's been two weeks since our mom was taken, and I just wanted to come on and say that we still have hope and we still believe.”

— Savannah Guthrie (Instagram)

“The family has been nothing but cooperative and gracious and are victims in this case. To suggest otherwise is not only wrong, it is cruel. The Guthrie family are victims plain and simple.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (Statement)

“The problem is the pacemaker would be at such a great distance from this signal sniffer that I'm not sure it's really going to gleam any results, but it can't hurt. In other words, it's a Hail Mary.”

— Jennifer Coffindaffer, Former FBI Agent (Newsweek)

What’s next

Anyone with information is asked to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI, 520-351-4900, 88-CRIME or visit tips.fbi.gov. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the recovery of Nancy and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges investigators face in locating a missing person, especially when there are limited clues and the person's safety is at risk due to medical needs. The use of advanced technology like the 'signal sniffer' device demonstrates the lengths authorities will go to in an effort to find Nancy Guthrie, but experts caution that such tactics may be a long shot. The community's continued support and vigilance will be crucial in this ongoing investigation.