The search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie entered its fifth day with growing concern and few clear answers. As authorities continue working to locate her safely, the Tucson community came together to show its support for a woman many consider one of their own.
USA Today reported that over 400 people gathered Wednesday evening in Tucson, Arizona, to pray for Nancy, the missing mother of Savannah Guthrie.
The candlelight vigil was held at St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church, where neighbors, friends, and local residents stood together in quiet hope.
Multiple reports confirmed that Nancy was reported missing from her home outside Tucson on Sunday. She was last seen by her family members the night before.
‘People Are Feeling Helpless,’ Organizer Says
Overcome with fear and concern for Nancy, Sally Shamrell, an actress and former local reporter who once worked alongside Savannah at KVOA, helped organize the vigil after Savannah asked for prayers in an Instagram post earlier in the week.
Shamrell said the moment called for the community to come together, not sit quietly with worry.
“What is happening is heart-wrenching, and this community needed this,” Shamrell told KOLD.
Getty“I thought a lot of people are feeling kind of helpless right now,” she said. “But we can’t … All we’re doing is waiting for the next alert, and that is, that is not what Savannah and the Guthries are about.”
“We need to come together, wrap our arms around each other, and lift each other up,” she added. “In hope, and you know just light and just truly bond together to just wish and hope Nancy comes home.”
A Family Deeply Rooted in the Tucson Community
NBCUniversalIn a separate interview with CBS News, Shamrell spoke highly of the Guthrie family’s deep roots in Tucson and the sense of loss being felt across the city.
“The Guthries are a very revered family,” she said.
“Nancy and Savannah have both contributed so much to the Tucson community,” Shamrell added. “They’re just positive contributors and very faithful women. What’s going on is absolutely heart-wrenching.”
Arizona Daily Star reported that as the vigil continued, St. Philip’s dedicated its final service of the day to Nancy.
Attendees stepped forward one by one to place lit candles on the altar, offering a quiet gesture of hope. The service was livestreamed on the church’s website for those unable to attend.
Pastor John Tittle, who serves at Nancy’s church, St. Andrews Presbyterian, addressed the gathered crowd with a prayer. “Most merciful God, we pray for our sister Nancy,” Tittle said. “Bring her swiftly to safety, and to those whom she loves.”
Savannah Guthrie & Her Siblings Issue Emotional Plea for Their ‘Loving’ Mom
Savannah, who remains in Arizona as authorities continue their investigation, is leaning on her siblings as the family waits for news of their mother’s return.
As the search continued, Savannah and her siblings, Annie and Camron Guthrie, shared an emotional Instagram video late Wednesday night, pleading for Nancy’s safe return.
NBCUniversal“On behalf of our family, we want to thank all of you for the prayers for our beloved mom, Nancy. We feel them, and we continue to believe that she feels them too,” Savannah said.
“Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light. She is funny, spunky and clever. She has grandchildren who adore her and crowd around her and cover her with kisses. She loves fun and adventure. She is a devoted friend. She is full of kindness and knowledge. Talk to her and you’ll see.”
Savannah also addressed reports of alleged ransom notes circulating in the media.
NBCUniversal“We, too, have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media,” she said. “As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. 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. Please, reach out to us.”
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate Nancy’s disappearance as a crime and said Wednesday that no suspect had yet been identified.
As of the time of writing this story, the search for Nancy was ongoing, with her family and the community holding onto hope.
