Fact Check: Are Arizona human remains linked to Nancy Guthrie’s investigation?
TUCSON, ARIZONA: Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance remains under investigation months after the 84-year-old mother of 'Today' co-host Savannah Guthrie vanished from her Tucson-area home on February 1.
Reports of human remains found in a desert area near Tucson have sparked speculation about the missing case. Let's fact check the claim.
Claim: Arizona human remains are linked to Nancy Guthrie investigation
Human remains were found in a desert area near West Ajo Way and South La Cholla Boulevard in Arizona. The location is about 15 miles from Nancy Guthrie's home.
Deputies from the Pima County Sheriff's Department were seen at the site in southwest Tucson. The remains were reportedly found on a hillside covered with saguaro cacti near a busy highway. Authorities said the remains appeared to have been at the location for an extended period of time.
The area sits near the edge of Tucson and includes a small number of homes with long driveways. Several sheriff's vehicles were parked near a private driveway, while deputies were seen walking through the nearby hills.
The discovery of human remains in Arizona sparked speculation because the location was near Nancy Guthrie's home. Some social media users questioned whether the remains could be connected to Guthrie's disappearance.
They say it's not her because the bones are bleached white meaning they've been out there a long time. I looked it up and in Arizona summer bones can become bleached within a few months. Unless it's male remains, they can't be sure it's not Nancy Guthrie.
— Deanna Mustard (@MustardDeanna) August 17, 2026
The discovery of human remains in Arizona sparked speculation because the location was near Nancy Guthrie’s home. Some social media users questioned why authorities said the remains did not appear to be connected to her disappearance.
Another commenter suggested that the appearance of the bones did not rule out a connection to Guthrie's case, writing, "Unless it's male remains, they can't be sure it's not Nancy Guthrie."
Fact Check: Authorities find no link to Nancy Guthrie case
The claim is false. Authorities have not linked the human remains found in Arizona to the Nancy Guthrie investigation.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department said its search and rescue deputies responded to reports of human remains in a desert area near West Ajo Way and South La Cholla Boulevard.
The department said, “At this time, there is no indication they are connected to the Nancy Guthrie investigation.” The sheriff added, "Additional information will be released as it becomes available."
The remains were found approximately 15 miles from Guthrie's home and appeared to have been at the location for an extended period. Authorities have not indicated that the discovery is part of the investigation into her disappearance.
Another user raised broader concerns about the discovery and asked about Guthrie's whereabouts
When do you not find human remains. It's feels like you have a huge problem in that area you should really look into, seriously! Where is Nancy Guthrie????
— Angg (@Klein39296474) August 17, 2026
Nancy Guthrie investigation remains active
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31, and investigators believe she may have been kidnapped from her home in Arizona's Catalina Foothills. She has been missing since February 1.
The investigation remains active. In July, authorities released the contents of a ransom note and a follow-up letter sent to Guthrie's family. The letters claimed that she had died, but investigators released them in hopes of getting new information about her disappearance.
Authorities are also continuing to investigate the case. Savannah Guthrie and her family have offered a $1 million reward for information that could help locate Nancy Guthrie.
