Ransom Note Claims Nancy Guthrie Dead After Abduction

Tue Jun 23 2026 12:11:10 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A second ransom note sent after Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance says she died, sparking FBI and local investigations into her missing mother.

After Nancy Guthrie vanished last January, a ransom note demanded bitcoin for her release. A second note, eerily similar but devoid of demands, later claimed she had died, sparking shock and renewed doubt in investigators. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, in partnership with the FBI, has focused on the notes and the masked suspect captured on security footage. Despite a $1 million reward, authorities press on, while founder–born Savannah Guthrie steps away and later returns to NBC’s Today show. Words of apology and withheld details have prompted media outlets to hold back on publishing the precise contents of the notes. While the investigation is active, families and fans keep hope alive across Arizona and beyond.

Ransom note claims Nancy Guthrie died after abduction

After the kidnapping of 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie at her Tucson home in January, a second ransom note emerged claiming she had already died. The note, sent to the BBC and other media outlets, bears the same hand‑written urgency as the first but notably omits a financial demand, instead offering an apology and a statement that her death was accidental.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has openly acknowledged the investigation is "active and ongoing," working closely with the FBI. Both agencies have requested that the public refrain from discussing the contents of the letters while they pursue leads and attempt to locate the missing woman.

Background of the case: Nancy Guthrie vanished on 31 January after relatives brought her home. When she failed to attend a virtual Sunday church service the following day, the family suspected a serious health crisis and promptly alerted authorities, armed with knowledge that she was on several critical medications.

First ransom note: Within 24 hours of her disappearance, a letter demanding several million dollars in Bitcoin for her release was sent to NBC’s Today show anchors and local TV stations. The letter included precise details about her property and bedroom, raising alarms that an internal locate was being used.

Second note: On 6 February, the second note arrived, sent to the same recipients. It reversed the demand line and instead read, “We deeply regret your loss. We did not intend your death.” No further demands or instructions were made.

The family and the media have urged restraint, emphasising that the rumors of a fake note were mere speculation. In spite of the uncertainty, a $1 million reward, bolstered by an additional $100,000 from the FBI, was offered for any trustworthy tip that could lead to Nancy’s return.

In the interim, Savannah Guthrie stepped away from the NBC Today show for over two months. She returned in early April as the search continued, candidly saying, "We keep hoping, even if she may be gone," and reaffirmed the authenticity of the initial notes in later interviews.

The case continues to draw attention from local and national law‑enforcement agencies, as well as broadcasters who have chosen to step back in respectful solidarity with the Guthrie family.