Nearly six months into the search for Nancy Guthrie, kidnapping survivor Elizabeth Smart is asking the public not to lose hope - a message shaped by her own ordeal decades ago.
Smart said, "I want to remind people that there isn't a body, so there is still reason to have hope that she is alive and that we shouldn't give up until we find her." She also urged the public to "have all the compassion and grace for the entire Guthrie family" during this difficult chapter, adding that even "the smallest detail that might seem insignificant can make all the difference" if reported.
Smart, who was abducted from her Salt Lake City home at age 14 in 2002 and held captive for nine months before being rescued, has spoken about the case before, and said the lack of definitive answers means people should continue supporting both the investigation and Nancy's family. Her words carry particular weight given her own story ended not in tragedy, but in reunion.
Nancy, 84, mother of "Today" co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was last seen at her Catalina Foothills home on January 31 and reported missing the next morning after she failed to appear for a Sunday church livestream - something her family has said she never missed. The case remains an active investigation, and reports on the authenticity of recent ransom notes tied to the case remain conflicting and unconfirmed by investigators.
Through nearly six months without answers, the Guthrie family's faith has remained the visible constant, with Savannah repeatedly thanking viewers on-air for their prayers.
A combined reward of more than $1.2 million remains active for information leading to Nancy's safe return. Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or Tucson's 88-CRIME tip line at 520-351-4900.
Related Article: Nancy Guthrie Update: First Ransom Note Revealed in Full "Hello Savannah, We Have Your Mother"
