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Police search for missing 44-year-old swimmer at Grand Anse

7/31/2026

37 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Police say 44-year-old Elizabeth “Liz” Waddell of Cary, North Carolina, vanished while swimming near Grand Anse Beach on July 22, 2026.
Surveillance video shows her walking to a jetty at 11:36 a.m. and swimming beneath it at 12:04 p.m.
Police Commissioner Randy Connaught said dive teams, drones, dogs and the Coast Guard continue searching.
A GoFundMe for the family has raised more than $21,000 of its $28,000 goal as of July 30, 2026.

History

Historical Context

In August 2005 Hurricane Katrina flooded New Orleans, prompting a joint response that saw the U.S. Coast Guard rescue more than 33,500 people and over 30,000 personnel from FEMA, the National Guard and the Red Cross mobilize. That inter-agency model now guides Cary police, the Coast Guard and volunteer divers as they search for missing Liz Waddell near Grand Anse Beach.

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Story summary

Police say 44-year-old Elizabeth “Liz” Waddell of Cary, North Carolina, vanished while swimming near Grand Anse Beach on July 22, 2026.
Surveillance video shows her walking to a jetty at 11:36 a.m. and swimming beneath it at 12:04 p.m.
Police Commissioner Randy Connaught said dive teams, drones, dogs and the Coast Guard continue searching.
A GoFundMe for the family has raised more than $21,000 of its $28,000 goal as of July 30, 2026.

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