Full Breakdown
Missing North Carolina Mother Vanishes While Swimming in Grenada
7/31/2026, 8:06:27 AM
Core Event
Elizabeth “Liz” Waddell, a physical therapist from Cary, North Carolina, disappeared while swimming near Grand Anse Beach in St. George’s, Grenada on July 22. Surveillance footage from the Airbnb where she was staying shows her leaving the property at 11:45 a.m., entering the water at 11:47 a.m., and swimming toward the beach before the camera loses sight of her. Witnesses later reported seeing her “far from shore” around 5:30 p.m. She has not been located despite dive teams, drones and dogs searching.
Background & Context
Waddell arrived in Grenada with a friend on July 11 after a flight from Miami. After ten days at a western-side hotel, they moved to an Airbnb near Grand Anse Beach on July 21. The trip was described by family as a celebration of her love of travel and outdoor adventure.
Timeline
- July 11 – Arrival in Grenada.
- July 21 – Relocation to the Airbnb.
- July 22 – Video captures Waddell’s departure and entry into the water; she is reported missing later that afternoon.
- July 28 – Husband Cailen Waddell states water depth was about 5 feet.
- July 29 – Cailen reiterates belief there was no foul play.
- July 30 – Police commissioner Randy Connaught confirms the case remains a missing-person investigation; GoFundMe raised over $21,000 of its $28,000 goal.
Data & Statistics
- Age reported as 44 in one outlet and 43 in another.
- Estimated distance from shore in the video: at most 20 feet.
- GoFundMe contributions: >$21,000 of $28,000 target as of July 30.
Official Statements & Responses
- Randy Connaught, Commissioner of Police, Royal Grenada Police Force, said, “The Royal Grenada Police Force has not reached or announced any final conclusion regarding the circumstances surrounding Ms. Waddell’s missing person’s status.” He emphasized the case continues as a missing-person investigation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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
On-the-Ground Reports
Local volunteers, police divers and community members have searched the shoreline and surrounding waters. Family members and friends traveled to the island to assist, and the U.S. Embassy has been kept informed.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Age discrepancy: New York Post lists Waddell as 44; Fox News and People list her as 43.
- Distance from shore: Video suggests no more than 20 feet, yet eyewitnesses later said she was “far from shore.” No definitive measurement has been provided.
- Cause of disappearance: Authorities have not released a conclusion; accidental drowning versus other possibilities remains unverified.
What’s Next
The Royal Grenada Police Force will continue the investigation as a missing-person case. No specific future actions or deadlines have been announced beyond ongoing search operations.
