What happened to US news anchor Savannah Guthrie's mother?
What's the story
Savannah Guthrie, a prominent American news anchor, has released an emotional video pleading for the safe return of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy. The elderly woman has been missing for days now and is suspected to have been abducted from her home in Arizona over the weekend. In the video shared on Instagram on Wednesday night, Guthrie said, "We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen." "Please reach out to us."
Urgent request
'We need proof that she is alive'
Guthrie, who was joined by her siblings in the video, said they need proof that their mother is alive and in the kidnappers' custody. "We live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her," she said. The Pima County Sheriff's Office is working with the FBI to verify a possible ransom note sent to at least one media outlet.
Heartfelt message
'We will not rest until we are together again'
In the video, the NBC host said, "Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. Everyone is looking for you, mommy. Everywhere. We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again." Her sister Annie added that the "light is missing from our lives," while their brother Cameron echoed similar sentiments.
Health concerns
Nancy could be in serious condition
Guthrie (54) also expressed concern for their mother's health, saying she lives in constant pain and is without any medicine. "Our mom is our heart and our home," Guthrie said. "Her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain." The sheriff's office has warned that Nancy could be in serious condition without her medication.
Ongoing probe
No suspect or person of interest has been identified yet
Sheriff Chris Nanos said on Wednesday that they are still talking to anyone who had contact with Nancy last weekend. No suspect or person of interest has been identified yet. "We do believe that Nancy was taken from her home against her will," Nanos said, adding they found a scene at her home that caused "grave concern." He refused to elaborate on what was found but did not comment on reports about blood being discovered at the property.
Work impact
Guthrie withdraws from hosting Winter Olympics ceremony
Guthrie, who has been with NBC since 2007 and became co-anchor of NBC's Today show in 2012, was scheduled to co-host NBC's coverage of the Opening Ceremony for the Winter Olympics in Milan on Friday. However, she withdrew due to her mother's disappearance. Mary Carillo will replace her, NBC said. "Our hearts go out to Savannah and the entire Guthrie family," Molly Solomon, executive producer and president of NBC Olympics Production, said in a statement.