Who Is Elizabeth Waddell? Latest Updates on the Missing North Carolina Woman in Grenada
A Caribbean vacation became a search for a North Carolina family. Elizabeth Waddell is a 44-year-old physical therapist and mother who has been missing for nearly a week. She went swimming off Grand Anse Beach, Grenada, but never returned. Here’s what we know so far, as the search continues with the help of local police, the FBI, and the US State Department.
Note that this situation is still active and developing. As the search continues, details may quickly change. Check local and national media outlets for current updates.
Who is Elizabeth Waddell
Elizabeth Waddell, a native of Cary in North Carolina, is the founder of Art of Movement Physical Therapy. She is also a physical therapist. She received her doctoral degree in physical therapy at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She is described by friends as free-spirited and adventurous. She is married to Cailen Waddell, and they have children together.
The Timeline of Events
Waddell and a friend arrived in Grenada on July 11 for a vacation. Waddell, who was staying with a friend at an Airbnb, told her friend that she would be swimming in a bay near their accommodation on Wednesday, 22.
Waddell was seen on surveillance footage by Grenadian Police walking towards a pier at around 11:15 a.m. The footage shows her swimming under the pier and walking along the pier over the next half-hour.
She found Waddell’s towel but not Waddell. She then contacted Waddell’s husband and filed a missing person report with the Royal Grenada Police Force.
The Search Effort
The Grenadian Police have said that the case was taken “right from its inception” and deployed search resources along the southern coastline. Authorities have asked fishermen, boat operators and coastal residents in particular to report any sightings. Waddell is described as a medium-sized man with short blonde hair.
Cailen Waddell has traveled directly to Grenada to assist with the search. He has also used social media as a way to ask for help. Friends and contacts who have any connection to Grenada were asked to pass on information. He has also publicly spoken about his own review of the surveillance footage, pointing out that the route his wife seemed to have taken included shallow areas close to shore where she could be if necessary.
The police are also working to contact additional eyewitnesses who reported seeing Waddell further from the shore around 5:30 pm on the same day.
Federal Involvement
The disappearance of Waddell has been reported to the US Embassy as well as the local Grenadian authorities. State Department confirmed that the situation was known. Community members raised thousands of dollars online to help with ongoing search efforts.
What authorities are saying now
Grenadian Police say that as of the latest update, the case is still classified as an active investigation into a missing person, almost a week since Waddell’s last sighting. Royal Grenada Police Force acting commissioner Randy Connaught publicly expressed his hope that Waddell would be found alive. He emphasized the continued efforts to find her, and expressed empathy for her friends, family, and relatives during the search.
Grand Anse Beach in
Grand Anse Beach is located in Grenada’s capital, St. George’s. It’s known for its turquoise water and white sand. Grenada is a small Caribbean island located about 100 miles north-east of Venezuela.
How to Help
The authorities in Grenada have asked that anyone who has any information, no matter how trivial it might seem, come forward as soon as possible. As reported by North Carolina media outlets, community members who want to support the search and the family have organized online fundraising efforts.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Elizabeth Waddell?
She’s a 44-year-old physical therapist and mother from Cary, North Carolina, who founded Art of Movement Physical Therapy.
When was Elizabeth Waddell last seen?
She was last spotted swimming on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, near Grand Anse Beach, St. George’s, Grenada.
Has Elizabeth Waddell ever been found?
According to the latest update, the case is still an active investigation into missing persons.
Which agencies are involved in the hunt?
The FBI and US Embassy are supporting the Royal Grenada Police Force in their investigation.
Where in Grenada is Grenada?
Grenada is an island nation located in the Caribbean Sea to the east, approximately 100 miles north-east of Venezuela.
Has Elizabeth Waddell’s husband been involved in the search for her?
Cailen Waddell, her husband, did travel to Grenada directly to help with the search efforts.
Final Thoughts
Local authorities, federal agencies, and her family continue to search for Elizabeth Waddell. They are hopeful for her safe return. The story is evolving, nd we expect to receive updates as the search progresses. USA Times Square will provide you with updates as the situation develops.
