Full Breakdown
North Carolina Physical Therapist Missing After Grenada Beach Swim
7/27/2026, 8:52:04 AM
Disappearance at Grand Anse Beach
Elizabeth “Liz” Waddell, 44, a Cary, North Carolina, physical-therapy clinic founder, was last seen on Wednesday, July 22 near Grand Anse Beach in St. George’s, Grenada. According to the Royal Grenada Police Force, she left the pool area of an Airbnb around noon, entered the water and did not return. Her towel was later found on the pier, and a bar-and-grill camera captured her swimming before she disappeared from view. Police have deployed officers, divers and St. George’s University students in an ongoing search.
Background
Waddell holds a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and runs Art of Movement Physical Therapy. She was vacationing with a longtime friend at an Airbnb that featured a pool overlooking the bay. The friend was completing an online course when Waddell, wearing a swimsuit, stepped outside to swim.
Official Statements & Responses
- Royal Grenada Police Force issued a missing-person alert, urging fishermen, boat operators and coastal residents to report any sightings.
- Grenada authorities have mobilized police officers, divers and university students to search the shoreline and surrounding waters.
- U.S. State Department confirmed it is aware of reports of a missing American in Grenada and can assist families with filing missing-person reports and understanding local procedures, while declining further comment for privacy reasons.
- He praised the Grenadian police for their “wonderful” response.
- Aradia Fitness, where Waddell also taught, described the news as “disheartening” and said the community is praying for her safe return.
On-the-Ground Accounts
Family friend Amanda Romano-Harmon recounted that Waddell’s friend saw her leave the Airbnb pool, noted the towel on the pier, and later could not locate her. Romano-Harmon said the friend called Waddell’s husband after several hours and filed a missing-persons report. She added that divers and the Coast Guard have been searching for several days without locating Waddell.
Data & Statistics
- Age: 44
- Height: reported as 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet – a minor discrepancy noted by sources.
- Last sighting: between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. on July 22, captured on a pier-facing camera.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Waddell’s exact height, with one describing her as 5 ft 5 in and another as 5 ft. No definitive information has been released regarding the cause of her disappearance, and no body or additional evidence has been found.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She had her swimsuit on, and she went outside their Airbnb,” — Amanda Romano-Harmon
- “Everybody's a friend for Liz. Liz has the adventure bug. She loves to travel, and there's not a hike she didn't like that she wanted to try,” — Amanda Romano-Harmon
- “She's an amazing person, and we want to bring her home,” — Amanda Romano-Harmon
Ongoing Search
Grenadian police continue to patrol the southern coastline, interview witnesses and examine any new leads. Divers remain on-scene, and the U.S. State Department stands ready to assist the family with procedural matters. No further scheduled actions have been announced.
