The second note sent to media outlets following the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of TODAY show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, indicated that she had died, according to three people familiar with the matter. This previously undisclosed detail adds a troubling dimension to the case that has gripped the nation since the elderly woman was reported missing from her home near Tucson, Arizona on February 1, 2026.
Unlike the first note, which claimed Guthrie was safe and requested cryptocurrency for her release, the second note contained no apology and made no request for payment for the release of her body, the sources said. Both notes were received by local TV station KOLD.
Main Developments in the Case
Nancy Guthrie was last seen around 9:45 p.m. on January 31, 2026, the night before she was reported missing. The FBI has been leading the investigation and recovered doorbell camera images showing an armed and masked man outside her home ten days after she was reported missing.
The FBI posted images to X on February 12, 2026, showing surveillance footage of the masked man along with a black Ozark Trail backpack. According to investigators, the suspect stands between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall. The backpack shown in the images has a 25-liter capacity. The FBI has described the masked man as a suspect in the case.
The revelation about the second note’s contents had not been previously disclosed to the public. While the first note offered some hope by claiming Guthrie was safe and could be released in exchange for cryptocurrency, the second note’s message that she had died and its lack of any ransom demand presents a stark contrast.
What We Know So Far
The confirmed timeline of events in Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance begins on the evening of January 31, 2026, when she was last seen at approximately 9:45 p.m. The following day, February 1, 2026, she was reported missing from her home near Tucson, Arizona.
Two notes were sent to media outlets following her disappearance. The first note stated that Guthrie was safe and requested cryptocurrency for her release. The second note, whose contents are now being reported for the first time based on three sources familiar with the matter, indicated that she had died. The second note did not ask for money or make any request regarding her remains.
Jessica Bobula, news director for KOLD TV station, confirmed that the station received both notes. The FBI recovered doorbell camera images from the morning of her disappearance showing an armed and masked individual outside her residence.
Family Appeals for Information
Savannah Guthrie posted a video on Instagram on February 15, 2026, making an emotional appeal for her mother’s return. The video was approximately 20 seconds in length. In the appeal, she spoke alongside her siblings Camron and Annie.
In the video, the family addressed whoever may have information about their mother’s whereabouts directly: “We received your message and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace.”
The family also expressed their willingness to cooperate, stating: “This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”
The appeal concluded with a message of hope: “It is never too late to do the right thing.”
FBI Investigation Details
The FBI has been actively investigating the case since Nancy Guthrie was reported missing. Ten days after the initial missing person report, investigators recovered doorbell camera images that proved critical to the investigation.
The surveillance footage shows a masked man who was armed outside Nancy Guthrie’s home on the morning of her disappearance. The FBI has publicly described this individual as a suspect. Based on the images, investigators have determined the suspect’s height to be between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches.
The images released on X also showed a black Ozark Trail backpack with a 25-liter capacity, which may be connected to the suspect.
What Happens Next
The FBI continues to seek information from the public regarding Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. Anyone with information about the case, the suspect shown in the surveillance images, or the origin of the notes sent to media outlets is encouraged to contact the FBI.
The investigation remains active. While the second note indicated that Nancy Guthrie had died, authorities have not confirmed her status or announced the recovery of her remains.
Important Details
Nancy Guthrie is 84 years old. She was reported missing from her home near Tucson, Arizona. The suspect captured on doorbell camera footage is described as an armed, masked man standing between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall.
The FBI released surveillance images on February 12, 2026, showing both the suspect and a black Ozark Trail backpack with a 25-liter capacity. Local TV station KOLD received both notes that were sent following Guthrie’s disappearance.
The difference between the two notes is significant. The first offered hope that Guthrie was alive and could be returned in exchange for cryptocurrency payment. The second note’s indication that she had died, combined with the absence of any request for payment or apology, represents a concerning development in the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the second note in the Nancy Guthrie case say?
According to three people familiar with the matter, the second note sent to media outlets indicated that Nancy Guthrie had died. Unlike the first note, it contained no apology and made no request for payment for the release of her body.
Who is the suspect in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance?
The FBI has identified a suspect based on doorbell camera footage. The individual is described as an armed, masked man between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall. His identity has not been publicly released.
When was Nancy Guthrie last seen?
Nancy Guthrie was last seen around 9:45 p.m. on January 31, 2026. She was reported missing the following day, February 1, 2026, from her home near Tucson, Arizona.
Who is Nancy Guthrie’s daughter?
Nancy Guthrie is the mother of Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC’s TODAY show. Savannah Guthrie has two siblings, Camron and Annie, who joined her in a public appeal for their mother’s return.
The FBI continues to investigate Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance and requests that anyone with information contact them. The case remains open as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the 84-year-old woman’s disappearance from her Tucson-area home.
