TUCSON, Arizona — The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has entered another critical phase as authorities intensify efforts using advanced aerial technology.
Law enforcement confirmed that a specialized detection device — described by officials as a high-powered “sniffer” — has been mounted to a Pima County Sheriff’s Department helicopter currently operating over parts of Tucson.
The device is capable of scanning areas within a range of up to 800 feet and is designed to assist investigators in detecting human remains or other biological indicators that may guide the search.
The deployment of the technology signals the seriousness of the ongoing investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
She was last seen on January 31 at her Tucson residence and was reported missing the following day after failing to attend a scheduled engagement.
Authorities have previously stated they believe Nancy was forcibly removed from her home. Surveillance footage released earlier showed an unidentified suspect wearing a mask and gloves near her front door.
Investigators have since collected physical evidence, including gloves recovered in the surrounding area, and forensic testing remains underway.
Meanwhile, Savannah Guthrie has continued to publicly plead for her mother’s safe return. Over the weekend, she shared a touching throwback video of Nancy on social media, writing, “We will never give up on her.”
The emotional post showed moments of Nancy smiling and spending time with family, underscoring the close bond between mother and daughter.
Savannah Guthrie has remained in Tucson since the disappearance and is reportedly off the “Today” show for the foreseeable future as she focuses on the search and supporting her family.
Sources close to NBC say the network is standing firmly behind her during this time.
In recent video messages, Savannah addressed whoever may have information about her mother’s whereabouts, urging them to “do the right thing.” She emphasized hope, faith, and the belief that “it’s never too late.”
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, led by Sheriff Chris Nanos, continues to work alongside the FBI, which has increased the reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s location or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.
Officials have not released further details about what prompted the use of the airborne detection system, but authorities maintain they are pursuing every possible lead.
As Tucson residents rally around the Guthrie family, yellow ribbons and flowers continue to appear outside Nancy’s home — visible symbols of a community holding onto hope while investigators press forward with renewed urgency.
