Authorities in Phoenix are investigating after the body of an unidentified woman was discovered near a canal early Saturday morning, though officials say there is currently no confirmed connection to the ongoing disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.
According to Phoenix police, officers responded to a call around 7:40 a.m. on March 7 near 27th Place and the Grand Canal Trail after receiving reports that an adult female was lying unresponsive along the canal bank. When officers arrived at the scene, they located the woman and confirmed she had died.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the woman or the circumstances surrounding her death. Detectives say the case remains under active investigation, and further details may be shared once more information becomes available.
The discovery quickly drew attention online because of the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing since February 1 from her home near Tucson, Arizona. However, officials in Pima County, who are leading the investigation into her disappearance, say they have not been informed of any link between the Phoenix canal case and the missing-person investigation.
According to reports citing the Pima County Sheriff's Department, authorities have not received any indication that the activity near the canal is connected to the search for Nancy Guthrie.
Nancy's disappearance has remained a troubling mystery for weeks. Investigators previously recovered surveillance footage from her home that reportedly showed an armed individual tampering with a security camera at the front door around the time she went missing.
Federal investigators have also examined reports of a possible internet outage in the neighborhood the night Nancy disappeared. One neighbor reportedly discovered that footage from a Ring security camera during that time frame was missing, raising additional questions for investigators.
Throughout the search, Savannah Guthrie and her family have continued to ask the public for help while expressing gratitude for the support they have received. In recent messages shared online, the Today co-anchor thanked those who have offered prayers and encouragement during the difficult time.
During a recent appearance, Savannah said she continues to hold onto hope as the search for her mother continues.
"I'm still standing, and I still have hope," she shared. "I'm holding onto my faith."
For many who have followed the case, that message has become a reminder to continue praying for answers and for Nancy Guthrie's safe return.
Phoenix police say their investigation into the woman found near the canal is ongoing, while authorities in southern Arizona continue working to uncover what happened in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
