'She Could Absolutely Still Be Alive': Elizabeth Smart Urges Continued Search for Missing Nancy Guthrie
"She could absolutely still be alive. There are cases that span many more years than mine does, and they came back alive."
— Elizabeth Smart, speaking to CNN on May 5
The Case
Elizabeth Smart, a survivor of a high-profile child abduction, has added her voice to the search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie. In a CNN interview on May 5, Smart stated that Nancy could still be alive, pointing to cases where missing persons were recovered after years in captivity.
Nancy Guthrie has been missing from her home in Arizona since February 1. Authorities are investigating her disappearance as a suspected kidnapping. Surveillance footage from the scene shows a suspect tampering with a camera at her residence.
"There are cases that span many more years than mine does, and they came back alive. And we're talking years and years."
— Elizabeth Smart
The Search & Response
The case has drawn significant attention, including criticism from FBI Director Kash Patel, who has questioned local law enforcement's handling of the investigation. Despite the challenges, Smart emphasized that the search must continue until Nancy is found.
"She deserves, either way, to be brought home."
Survival & Resilience
Smart, who was abducted from her home in Utah at age 14 in 2002 and held captive for nine months before being rescued, also connected her own survival to physical fitness.
"If my body hadn't showed up for me through every bad day, I'd be dead."
Key Takeaways
- Status: Nancy Guthrie, 84, missing since February 1 (Arizona).
- Investigation: Suspected kidnapping; FBI Director Kash Patel has criticized local police handling.
- Hope: Elizabeth Smart insists that long-term survival in captivity is possible and urges the public not to give up.
Stay informed. Follow developments as the search for Nancy Guthrie continues.