Elizabeth Waddell missing in Grenada after beach swim
Elizabeth Waddell missing Grenada search: The 44-year-old Cary, North Carolina mother disappeared after leaving an Airbnb near Grand Anse Beach for a swim on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Her towel was found on a pier, and family plus Grenadian police urge anyone with tips to come forward.
Key Takeaways
- Elizabeth "Liz" Waddell, 44, of Cary, N.C., was reported missing Wednesday while vacationing in Grenada with a friend.
- She left an Airbnb near Grand Anse Beach in a swimsuit; her towel was later found on a pier, while her phone and ID remained inside.
- The Royal Grenada Police Force is searching and asking fishermen, boat operators, and southern coastline residents for tips.
- Husband Cailen Waddell and other relatives have traveled to the island; the U.S. State Department says it is aware of the reports.
Loved ones say the disappearance of Elizabeth Waddell remains baffling as Coast Guard crews and divers continue looking. Waddell, founder of Art of Movement Physical Therapy, was sightseeing with a friend when she slipped out for a swim and did not return.
What happened to Elizabeth Waddell in Grenada?
According to longtime family friend Amanda Romano-Harmon, Waddell and a travel companion were staying at an Airbnb near Grand Anse Bay. While the friend finished an online class inside, Waddell put on a swimsuit, took a towel, and went outside by a pool overlooking the water.
When the friend finished the course, Waddell was gone. A towel was found on the pier. Romano-Harmon told NBC News that Waddell had left her phone and ID at the Airbnb. After a few hours with no return, the friend called Waddell's husband and filed a missing persons report.
Romano-Harmon also said Waddell was captured on a bar-and-grill camera facing the pier between about noon and 1 p.m. Wednesday, swimming and floating before drifting out of view. The Royal Grenada Police Force said she was last seen around 8 a.m. Wednesday in the Grand Anse Beach area of St. George's.
Who is searching for the Cary mother?
Cailen Waddell, the Town of Cary's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources operations manager, has been in Grenada with their daughter since Friday and has praised local police. Romano-Harmon said Waddell's twin sister, adult daughter, husband, and friends have flown in to help. Shawn Harmon planned to travel Monday to assist the search.
Police have contacted fishermen, boat operators, and residents along the southern coastline. Romano-Harmon said the Coast Guard and divers have been out for several days without locating her. A State Department spokesperson said officials are aware of reports of a missing American in Grenada and can help families with local procedures, referring investigative questions to Grenadian law enforcement.
How can people help find Elizabeth Waddell?
Authorities describe Waddell as about 5 feet tall, of medium build, with short blond hair. Anyone with information is asked to contact the St. George Police Station at 444-4454, the Criminal Investigation Department at 440-3921, or 911. No detail is too small, friends say.
Romano-Harmon called Waddell a "ray of sunshine" and an experienced traveler who connects easily with strangers. Cailen Waddell has said he expects nothing less than her safe return. For more BlasterPost coverage across our beats, see the Future Tech & AI Wonders category hub.