GRAND ANSE, Grenada — A tropical vacation turned into a tragic search as authorities and loved ones continue to seek answers regarding the disappearance of Elizabeth “Liz” Waddell, a 44-year-old mother from Cary, North Carolina, who vanished while swimming off the coast of Grenada.
As police review security footage and interview eyewitnesses, Waddell’s family and local authorities have expressed their belief that foul play was not involved in her sudden disappearance. Instead, investigators are focusing their efforts on tracing her final movements along the picturesque shoreline of Grand Anse Beach on the afternoon of July 22, 2026.
A Summer Vacation Takes a Tragic Turn
Elizabeth Waddell had arrived on the Caribbean island of Grenada for a planned three-week vacation alongside her close friend, Heather. The two had been staying at a local Airbnb near Grand Anse Beach, a popular destination known for its soft white sands and clear blue waters.
According to family accounts, Waddell stepped out of the rental property on July 22 to enjoy the beach. When hours passed without her return, Heather went to search for her along the shore. Near the water, Heather discovered Waddell’s towel, but found no other signs of her friend.
Waddell, described by her husband, Cailen Waddell, as “a loving, free-spirit person,” was well known for her outgoing personality and love for outdoor adventure.
“She could make friends with anyone and she often did,” Cailen Waddell shared in a statement to local media, reflecting on his wife’s warm nature and open-hearted demeanor.
Surveillance Footage and Eyewitness Timeline
As the Royal Grenada Police Force launched a multi-agency search operation, investigators turned to security footage from businesses along Grand Anse Beach to piece together Waddell’s last known actions.
According to Acting Police Commissioner Randy Connaught, surveillance cameras captured Waddell walking toward a beachside pier around 11:30 a.m. on July 22. Shortly after noon, she was seen entering the water and swimming beneath the pier structure.
Footage reviewed by friends and investigators shows Waddell comfortably floating and swimming in the calm water.
“She floats out of the camera view, and so that’s the last footage of Liz,” said Amanda Romano-Harmon, a close friend of Waddell who spoke about the video.
Camera footage also showed her friend Heather walking toward the pier approximately 45 minutes later to look for her, before returning alone.
While surveillance footage provided the last recorded video of Waddell, eyewitness accounts extended the timeline further into the evening. Local authorities reported that eyewitnesses interacted with Waddell around 5:30 p.m. that same day, farther out from the shore. During these interactions, Waddell reportedly expressed her confidence in her location and swimming ability while remarking on the beauty of the island.
Family Statement Rules Out Foul Play
Following days of intensive coordination between local law enforcement, emergency responders, the U.S. Embassy, and family members, Waddell’s husband issued an official update on the ongoing search efforts.
In his statement, Cailen Waddell confirmed that neither the family nor investigating authorities suspect criminal activity in connection with her disappearance.
“After careful and thoughtful consultation with family, local authorities, the U.S. Embassy, and others here in Grenada, I join authorities in believing there was no foul play,” Cailen Waddell said. “Liz was last seen swimming in the ocean near Grand Anse, around 5:30 PM, far from shore. She communicated her confidence in her swimming and location, as well as the beauty of the island.”
With foul play largely ruled out, the primary focus of the investigation remains centered on the water and the surrounding coastline, where strong currents or natural hazards may have played a role after she swam farther out into the sea.
Search Operations and Official Response
The Royal Grenada Police Force has continued maritime and shoreline searches around Grand Anse and surrounding coastal waters. Search teams have utilized marine vessels, aerial drones, and foot patrols along the coast to sweep the area for any sign of the missing North Carolina resident.
The U.S. Department of State confirmed it is aware of the situation and is providing consular assistance to the family while remaining in close contact with Grenadian law enforcement agencies.
Officials are urging anyone who was present on Grand Anse Beach on the afternoon or evening of July 22, or who may have additional information, to contact local authorities immediately. Family members stress that “no detail is too small” as they seek closure and clarity regarding Elizabeth Waddell’s final hours on the island.