A vacation swim has turned into a nightmare for one North Carolina family. Elizabeth “Liz” Waddell, a 44-year-old physical therapist from Cary, went missing last Wednesday while vacationing on the Caribbean island of Grenada, and as of this week, searchers still haven’t found her.
Waddell was staying at an Airbnb near Grand Anse Beach in St. George’s with a close friend when she decided to go for a swim. According to Amanda Romano-Harmon, a longtime friend acting as a family spokesperson, Waddell put on her swimsuit, grabbed a towel, and headed out while her friend finished up an online class inside. When the friend looked up a short while later, Waddell was gone. All that was left behind was her towel on the pier.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows Waddell in the water before she floats out of view, and that’s the last confirmed sighting anyone has of her. Grenadian police, the Coast Guard, and dive teams have been searching the area for days without success, and authorities are now asking fishermen, boat operators, and residents along the island’s southern coastline to report anything unusual.
Waddell’s husband, Cailen, who works for the Town of Cary’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources department, flew to Grenada along with the couple’s daughter to help with the search effort. He’s been vocal on social media, describing his wife as a warm, free-spirited person who “could make friends with anyone.” The State Department has confirmed it’s aware of the case and is in contact with local authorities.
What We Know So Far
Waddell was last seen around 8 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, near the water close to her Airbnb, reported ABC News. She’s described as around 5 feet tall with short blond hair, and authorities also circulated a photo showing her with pink hair, since that was her look more recently.
Police have released a tip line and are urging anyone in the area, especially those on or near the water, to come forward with information.
The Search Continues
Grenadian authorities have kept divers and Coast Guard crews on the water for several consecutive days, but so far there’s been no trace of Waddell found, according to Fox News.
Friends and family have praised the local police for their efforts and are asking anyone with even minor details to reach out, saying no piece of information is too small.
Our Take
Stories like this are a rough reminder that even calm-looking water can turn dangerous fast, especially along coastlines with currents that aren’t obvious from the shore.
Most people following this unfortunate situation are confused why her husband didn’t go with her and keep wondering who that friend was. There are tons of theories, but we don’t think people should be jumping to conclusions.
Whatever happened out there, our thoughts are with the Waddell family as they wait for answers.