Kidnapping survivor Elizabeth Smart has weighed in on the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today anchor Savannah Guthrie, expressing hope that the 84-year-old could still be alive more than four months after she vanished.
Smart's Statement
Speaking publicly about the case, Smart said: 'She could absolutely still be alive.' Smart, who was abducted as a teenager in 2002 and held captive for nine months, emphasised that survival in such cases can extend over many years. She urged authorities and the public to continue the search, stating that Guthrie 'deserves, either way, to be brought home.'
The Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her home in Arizona on 1 February. Investigators have not identified a suspect, nor have they confirmed her current status. Evidence collected at the scene includes DNA, video footage of a masked individual at the residence, and traces of Guthrie's blood on the porch, suggesting she was taken during the night.
Context and Hope
Smart's own experience—being kidnapped at age 14 and held for nine months—lends weight to her perspective. She noted that many missing persons cases remain unresolved for years, but survivors are occasionally found alive. Her comments aim to keep hope alive and encourage ongoing efforts to locate Guthrie.
The case has drawn widespread attention due to Guthrie's connection to Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC's Today show. The family has pleaded for information and continues to cooperate with law enforcement.
