Nancy Guthrie Update: Media Refutes Viral Death Claim

Conflicting reports are emerging regarding ransom notes that were sent to Nancy Guthrie's family just days after her disappearance on February 1, 2026.

The 84-year-old disappeared from her home in Tucson, Arizona, on February 1, 2026, and remains missing. In the days that followed her disappearance, several ransom notes were sent to media organizations demanding millions of dollars of cryptocurrency in return for Guthrie's safe return.

One particular note, received by NBC just days after Guthrie's disappearance, assured that she was safe and secure, and would be returned to her family once the ransom was received. The existence of a second note from the same source was also reported at this time, but no details of its contents were published.

Now, three sources familiar with the situation are claiming that the second letter confirmed Guthrie's death but contained no apology or further monetary demands in exchange for her body (via NBC). At the time of reporting, NBC understands that the notes are "potentially credible" in the eyes of the investigators.

However, TMZ has refuted this now-viral claim, arguing that the second ransom note did not allege Guthrie's death at all. Instead, they claim it "makes no reference to Nancy Guthrie dying." TMZ also argues there was no apology in the second note, as many outlets are reporting.

Instead, TMZ believes these reports may have originated from another source who has been in contact with the media following Guthrie's disappearance. "There is a reference to Nancy Guthrie not being alive anymore, but that is from the person who sent us multiple emails saying that he knows [...] where Nancy Guthrie was."

"He wanted money in return for information; we passed that along to the FBI. Early on, he said that 'time is of the essence'. A few days after the kidnapping, he said 'time is no longer of the essence'-meaning she isn't alive."

Days after the second note was received, Savannah Guthrie and her family released a video pleading with the abductors to return their mother. "We received your message, and we understand," Guthrie said. "We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. [...] This is very valuable to us, and we will pay."

Guthrie was last seen at her Arizona home at 9.45 p.m. on February 1, 2026, before she was reported missing the following day. 10 days later, the FBI acquired footage from her doorbell camera that showed a masked individual on her porch, and forensic evidence from the house showed signs of her blood.

The Guthrie family is still offering a reward of $1 million for any information that leads to Nancy's return, while the FBI is offering a further $100,000. Anybody with details is urged to call the FBI at

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 3:05 PM.