Elizabeth Smart, who was kidnapped at 14, shares a brave message Nancy Guthriehas been missing since February 1. Authorities believe she was taken from the home the night before and have not been found. However, Smart herself was imprisoned for several months and she sent a message of hope to Guthrie’s family.
According to reports, the 84-year-old’s daughter and “Today” show host Savannahwas planning to return from Tucson, Arizona, to New York, where her family is. The Daily Mail report also noted that Savannah may be ready to return to work as the search for her mother continues, but no new leads appear to have been found.
Smart spoke on the Ladygang show on February 25 podcastshe appeared alongside regular hosts Keltie Knight, Jacques Vanek and Becca Tobin.
“I know what law enforcement will tell you. If a person goes missing and they’re not found within 24 to 48 hours, their chance of survival is almost zero. It’s almost like they’re dead,” Smart said.
In fact, in Guthrie’s case, investigators warned from the outset that time was of the essence given the woman’s advanced age. Authorities found the drugs at her home in the Catalina Foothills near Tucson, Arizona, and Guthrie was not expected to be in good condition without her daily medication. Reports say Guthrie suffered from heart problems, high blood pressure and used a pacemaker.
However, Smart urged people to remain hopeful. “But, I always feel like we can’t give up, because if that was the mentality in my case, I wouldn’t be here today. I did come back. And there are other victims who do come back. So even though every day it feels like we’re losing more and more hope, or it seems like it’s less and less likely that she’ll be found, I think we have to remind ourselves that we can never give up. We need everyone’s help. We need everyone to keep their eyes open. And that someone is going to see something, someone does know something,” she continued.
Smart’s remarks came after Case may break downa neighbor’s ring camera showed the vehicle driving down the path to Guthrie’s home the morning she is believed to have been abducted. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, which is investigating the case, reportedly went to the neighbor’s home with the FBI to review the footage, and authorities are still pursuing all leads.
Who is Elizabeth Smart?
In June 2002, Smart was taken from his Salt Lake City home at knifepoint. She was held captive for nine months before being rescued in March 2003.
She is now a child safety activist and ABC News commentator. Smart was taken into custody by Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Baze, during which time she was reportedly abused.
Mitchell broke into the home and kidnapped Smart. Then he and his wife captured her and moved her around. Smart stayed around Utah, but also moved to San Diego for a time. She was found and rescued in Sandy, Utah, about 18 miles from where she was taken. Mitchell was reportedly sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping and sexual assault, while his wife was jailed for 15 years.
Smart’s father also shared his thoughts on Guthrie’s kidnapping, telling Fox & Friends: “It’s critical to speak directly to the people who kidnapped her (the kidnappers). They know they are trying to comply with everything they were told and they want to resolve this issue and bring their mother home.”
