Ransom Note Claims Nancy Guthrie Died After Abduction, Investigation Continues

Tue Jun 23 2026 13:27:24 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A second ransom note sent after the 84‑year‑old mother of NBC’s Savannah Guthrie was kidnapped reports her death, leaving authorities still searching for clues.

Two ransom notes were sent after Nancy Guthrie, 84, was abducted from her Tucson home in January. The first demanded millions in Bitcoin; the second, with an apology, claims she has died. Law officials, including the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI, have not confirmed the note’s authenticity and continue their search. The family offered a £760,000 reward and remains hopeful, while Savannah Guthrie stepped away from NBC’s Today show to focus on the investigation.

Ransom note claims Nancy Guthrie died after abduction, investigation continues

On 6 February a second ransom note was delivered to media outlets and the Guthrie family, claiming that the 84‑year‑old mother of NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie had died after her abduction on 31 January. The note also apologized for the death, stating that it was inadvertent, and was followed by an earlier message that demanded millions of Bitcoin for her release.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, working with the FBI, has stated that the investigation remains active and ongoing, but has declined to comment on the contents of the notes. Law‑enforcement agencies are reviewing all information and pursuing leads in an effort to locate Nancy Guthrie.

The family, which has offered a £760,000 reward, warned that Nancy was in poor health and lacked critical medication. A security‑camera image of a masked person outside her home was released as part of the search effort.

Savannah Guthrie stepped away from NBC’s Today show for more than two months, returning in early April as the investigation continued. She has spoken publicly about the kidnapping and the ransom notes, calling for help from the public and the authorities.