Savannah Guthrie's Mother Shared a Controversial Social Media Message Days before Her Disappearance

At first, it sounded like a familiar, heartbreaking alert… Then investigators hinted at something far more unsettling.

Authorities confirmed this week that Nancy Guthrie, 84, the mother of "Today" co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, vanished under circumstances they now believe involve a crime.

The update came during an emotional press briefing that quietly shifted the entire narrative. What began as a missing-person search is now a full-scale criminal investigation.

What Began as a Missing-Person Alert Quickly Took a Dark Turn

According to Sheriff Chris Nanos, deputies were called to Nancy's home around noon on Saturday after family members realized something was wrong. Search-and-rescue teams, air assets, and canine units were deployed almost immediately.

But by the end of the first day, the tone changed. Investigators said they saw "concerning" details inside the home. After processing the scene, officials confirmed they believe "we do in fact have a crime scene, and we do in fact have a crime." Nancy, they stressed, did not leave on her own.

The urgency is compounded by her health. Authorities revealed she needs daily medication, and going without it for more than 24 hours could be fatal. Officials also said Nancy lives alone, employs staff, and that her cellphone has been recovered. As the case escalates, the sheriff acknowledged help from multiple federal partners.

He specifically mentioned working closely with agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

"Somebody asked about the FBI if they're involved. They, they, we like I said, we, we work closely with all of our partners, whether they're the FBI, ATF, ICE, whoever [sic]," he noted.

The sheriff continued, "We know that they have certain capabilities and certain resources just as we have certain capabilities and resources, so yes, we'll continue to work with them, and they've offered assistance to us."

That single mention — ICE — now echoes in a way no one expected...

Officials also emphasized that Nancy is "sharp as a tack" mentally, with only age-related physical limitations. This was not, they said, a case of confusion or wandering.

Savannah herself has been in contact with investigators, who confirmed she is in town and cooperating fully. Her security team is also coordinating with law enforcement.

While authorities declined to share details about forced entry or suspects, they urged neighbors nationwide to check cameras and report anything unusual. "This is a critical time," the sheriff stated. "We need the community's help."

Only after that update did attention turn to something else: Nancy's latest social media activity.

On January 28, 2026, just days before she disappeared, Nancy shared a repost on Facebook that immediately stood out for its reference to quite a controversial topic. It wasn't personal, casual, or family-related… Instead, it was political and emotionally charged.

The post reshared an Instagram reel showing medical staff at a VA hospital honoring Alex Pretti, the heavily-mourned nurse who helped countless veterans and was killed after being shot by a border patrol agent. The video shows Pretti's body being wheeled through a hospital corridor, draped in an American flag.

Rows of doctors and nurses stand in silent salute on either side. The caption reads, "Trump/ICE murder victim Alex Pretti was honored at the VA hospital where he helped countless people who served this nation. ARE YOU MAD YET?"

The imagery is powerful, and the language is unmistakably provocative. While Nancy added no personal commentary of her own, the repost alone has captured attention, especially given investigators' later mention of ICE involvement in the search.

To be clear, authorities have not suggested any connection between the post and her disappearance. Still, the timing has raised eyebrows.

The contrast is striking: a post condemning violence tied to border enforcement, followed days later by her own sudden disappearance, now under criminal investigation.

As law enforcement continues analyzing technology, cameras, and data from Nancy's home, the public is left piecing together fragments: A controversial post, a crime scene, and a family waiting for answers.

Authorities say time is critical. And as the investigation deepens, early clues — including Nancy's online activity — are taking on new weight, setting the stage for what investigators uncovered in the first crucial hours of the case.

Timeline of Events

According to WCPO ABC 9 Cincinnati, Nancy, a Northern Kentucky native, was last seen at her Tucson home around 9:30 p.m. Saturday, January 31. Family members reported her missing the following day.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not announced any arrests.

Family Response

Savannah, who is reportedly in Arizona, shared a statement on "Today" on behalf of her family, thanking the public for the thoughts, prayers, and messages of support. She added:

"Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom. We thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case and encourage anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff's Department at (520) 351-4900."

Family members told police they became concerned after receiving a call from someone at their local church saying Savannah was not there. They went to her home to look for her before contacting authorities.

Years earlier, the former attorney shared a personal reflection about her relationship with her mother.

Savannah Guthrie on Her Mother

The broadcast journalist has previously spoken about her mother's selflessness and encouragement. During an April 2022 interview on "Today," she reflected on how her mother supported her career ambitions.

She also recalled a moment when her mom urged her to pursue her goals, even if it meant being apart: "And that's when she said, 'If you can't leave me, then I didn't do my job right, Savannah.' She just gave me permission to go, you know?"

She said the message was not about pushing her away: "It's not because she didn't want me to stay. Of course she wanted me to stay. But she's like, 'I'm not going to stand in the way of your dreams. I'm going to tell you, go go go go go.'"

In a separate case overseas, police in the United Kingdom are searching for a missing man last seen in Cornwall.

As previously reported, Assisi Jackson, the 33-year-old granddaughter of legendary Musician Mick Jagger, is searching for her longtime partner, Alexander Key, 37.

According to the U.K. police, Alexander was last seen on a Friday, leaving his loved ones riddled with worry as they attempt to uncover information concerning his whereabouts.

Panic Grows as Police and Pub Launch Online Appeals

Alexander was last seen at approximately 2:20 p.m. on January 23, 2026, inside the Cobweb Inn, a well-known pub in the coastal village of Boscastle, Cornwall. Surveillance footage captured him seated at the bar, dressed in a bold red patterned jacket layered over a dark hoodie, and paired with loose-fitting pants and white sneakers.

His platinum blonde hair, styled in a voluminous sweep, made him easily noticeable, a detail many of the appeals have highlighted in hopes it might jog someone's memory.

The Devon and Cornwall Police issued a public statement and missing person alert two days after Alexander was last seen, sharing photographs of him and confirming that he had not been seen since leaving the pub that Friday afternoon. Described as being of medium build with bright peroxide blonde hair, Alexander is also said to be someone who normally dresses in vibrant clothing.

Authorities expressed growing concern for his welfare, noting that extensive searches and inquiries are underway.

Their Facebook post includes two clear images: a close-up selfie showing Alexander's face and hair in sharp detail, and a second showing him outdoors in the red jacket, a critical outfit reference for those who may have encountered him.

"If you have seen Alexander, or know of his whereabouts please call police immediately on 999, quoting log number 847 24th Jan [sic]," concludes the authorities' public notice.

The Cobweb Inn echoed this urgency in their own social media appeal, which was posted on Sunday, January 25. Their message, written in capital letters to convey the gravity of the situation, asked patrons and locals to think back to that Friday afternoon and report any possible interactions or sightings.

Alongside their statement, the pub shared a still from their internal security footage, showing Alexander seated at the bar, his posture relaxed. Another angle, shared by Cobwebb Inn, in the comment section of the post, offered a view of the outdoor seating area, where Alexander is seen walking toward the adjoining street.

Jade Jagger Joins the Search as Family Alarm Deepens

The effort to locate Alexander has quickly extended beyond law enforcement and local businesses. Assisi's mother, Jade Jagger — daughter of the iconic "Paint It, Black" rock singer — joined the public appeal by reposting the police's Facebook notice to her Instagram feed.

The gesture reflects the family's deepening concern and mobilized a broader audience, inviting thousands of followers into the search.

While representatives for Jade and Mick Jagger have yet to publicly comment, the repost serves as a quiet but powerful signal of just how seriously the family is taking Alexander's disappearance.

Concern Continues to Mount as Family Awaits Answers

As the hours stretch into days, the search for Alexander continues with mounting urgency. What began as a quiet concern among loved ones has now grown into a community-wide effort — one amplified by social media, public vigilance, and a family's unwavering hope.

While questions remain and the investigation presses on, those closest to Alexander are clinging to the belief that answers are still within reach, and that someone, somewhere, holds the missing piece that could lead him safely home.