Authorities in Arizona are actively searching for the mother of well-known U.S. news anchor Savannah Guthrie, who vanished over the weekend under suspicious circumstances.

Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing on Sunday from her residence in Pima County, according to local Sheriff Chris Nanos during a press briefing.

“We are certain she did not leave voluntarily,” Nanos stated on Monday, indicating the home is being considered a “crime scene.”

The sheriff highlighted that Guthrie has mobility challenges and lacks essential medication, urging anyone with information about her location to step forward.

“She is of sound mind,” Nanos clarified, emphasizing that “this is not someone who simply wandered off,” to reassure worried family members and the community.

While Nanos refrained from disclosing specific evidence found at the scene, he confirmed that investigators have determined “a crime has indeed occurred.”

Security cameras at the home were also being examined, he said.

On Sunday, he had said that homicide investigators were a part of the probe.

Savannah Guthrie, 54, is one of the US’ most well-known news personalities and is co-host of NBC’s flagship Today Show morning program. She was born in Melbourne, but moved to Arizona as a young child.

During Monday’s broadcast, co-anchor Craig Melvin said the story was “deeply personal”. In a statement from Guthrie reported on air, she thanked law enforcement for their work on the case and encouraged anyone with information to contact police.

For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.