Savannah Guthrie appeals for proof of life of mother amid ransom note reports

NBC “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie publicly appealed for proof that her missing mother is alive, saying she is ready to talk amid reports of alleged ransom demands. Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother, Nancy, remains missing after being abducted from her home near Tucson.

In an Instagram video posted Wednesday evening, Savannah Guthrie said her mother, Nancy Guthrie, is 84 years old, in fragile health, and dependent on medication. Guthrie said her mother lives in constant pain and warned that being without her medication could cause her to suffer.

“We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media,” Guthrie said in the video. “We need to know, without a doubt that she is alive, and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen.”

TMZ was among the first outlets to report Tuesday that it received what it described as a ransom note demanding a multimillion-dollar cryptocurrency payment to a specific Bitcoin address, along with a deadline and an “or else” warning. TMZ said it verified the Bitcoin address and forwarded the material to authorities.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Office said it is aware of reports about possible ransom notes and is treating all tips and leads seriously, adding that investigators are coordinating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her home near Tucson between Saturday night and Sunday morning. Officials have said she has significant mobility limitations, requires medication, and that going without it could be life-threatening.

“Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman,” Guthrie said in the video. “We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Savannah Guthrie (@savannahguthrie)