Elizabeth Smart believes Nancy Guthrie could absolutely still be alive

Kidnapping survivor and prominent advocate Elizabeth Smart has stated she believes Nancy Guthrie could still be alive, more than three months after the 84-year-old disappeared.

During an interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett on Tuesday, Ms Smart was asked if she thought Ms Guthrie could have survived the abduction, similar to her own experience.

"Absolutely. She could absolutely still be alive," Ms Smart, 38, replied, pointing to historical cases where missing persons were found alive years after their initial disappearance.

Ms Smart was 14 years old when she was abducted from her Salt Lake City home in 2002. She was rescued nine months later after being spotted by authorities in Utah.

Drawing from her own journey, she emphasised the importance of maintaining a tireless search. "Until we know, we have to keep looking," she stated, adding that regardless of the outcome, Ms Guthrie "deserves to be brought home."

Ms Smart’s advocacy work now focuses on sexual assault survivors and the families of missing children, often sharing her story to provide perspective on high-profile investigations.

Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" co-host Savannah Guthrie, is believed to have been kidnapped from her Tucson home on February 1, 2026.

While the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI have released doorbell footage of a masked suspect, no individuals have been identified or charged.

The case has seen several recent developments, including a dispute over federal and local coordination and the discovery of prehistoric remains near the site.

Despite the passage of time, Ms Smart’s public support serves as a reminder to the public and law enforcement to remain focused on the search for the elderly mother.