Why it's trending
The case is trending because the family of Elizabeth Waddell made a public statement on Wednesday July 29, 2026, via FindLiz.com, announcing they believed no foul play was involved and that they were returning home. This new development in a widely covered missing-person case, combined with ongoing search efforts and public interest in the disappearance of a U.S. citizen abroad, drove search queries about 'Elizabeth Waddell Grand Anse search.'
Elizabeth 'Liz' Waddell, a 43-year-old mother from Cary, North Carolina, disappeared on July 22, 2026, while vacationing in Grenada with a friend. According to WRAL, she was last seen near Grand Anse Beach in St. George's. ABC News reports she was last seen swimming in the ocean at about 5:30 p.m. that day. Her husband, Cailen Waddell, has been leading public communication about the search.
In a statement posted on the family's website FindLiz.com, Cailen Waddell said: '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.' Both WRAL and ABC News confirm this statement, though neither source indicates whether local authorities have officially ruled out foul play or simply shared that belief. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are working to trace Waddell's movements between when she was last seen on Airbnb surveillance video and when she was later seen in the water.
The timeline: On July 22, Waddell left her Airbnb wearing an orange top and blue-and-white striped shorts, according to surveillance video shared by the family. She was later seen in the water wearing a red shirt and gray shorts. Her husband said both items of clothing were relatively new and she wore them into the ocean. Over the following week, ten family members joined local authorities, Grenadian citizens, and U.S. officials in searching the area. By Wednesday, the family announced their belief that no foul play was involved, and they departed Grenada on Friday, saying 'We have done what we can here, and the investigation will continue.'
Grenada police commissioner Randy Connaught told WRAL that Waddell remains missing but investigators are hopeful she will be located. The case highlights the challenges of missing-person investigations in tourist destinations, where international cooperation and limited resources can complicate search efforts. The family has asked for privacy but pledged to provide updates if new information emerges. As the investigation continues, observers will watch for any additional sightings or evidence that could clarify what happened to Elizabeth Waddell after she was last seen swimming.
Timeline
- Elizabeth Waddell last seen swimming
Liz Waddell, 43, was last seen swimming in the ocean near Grand Anse Beach in St. George's, Grenada, according to ABC News. She was vacationing with a friend.
- Search efforts and family arrival
Ten family members traveled to Grenada to search for Waddell. They worked with local authorities, the U.S. Embassy, and volunteers. Surveillance video from the Airbnb and a photo of Waddell leaving in an orange top and blue-and-white striped shorts were shared on FindLiz.com (WRAL).
- Husband statement on no foul play
Cailen Waddell issued a statement on FindLiz.com saying he joined authorities in believing there was no foul play in his wife's disappearance, citing consultation with family, local authorities, the U.S. Embassy, and others in Grenada (WRAL, ABC News).
- Family returns to the U.S.
Family members returned to the Triangle (North Carolina) on Friday. In an update, Cailen Waddell said, 'We have done what we can here, and the investigation will continue' (WRAL, ABC News).
Questions people ask
What happened to Elizabeth Waddell?
Elizabeth Waddell, 43, went missing on July 22, 2026, while swimming near Grand Anse Beach in Grenada. She was last seen in the water at about 5:30 p.m. Her family and authorities searched for a week but did not find her, and the investigation is ongoing.
Is foul play suspected in Liz Waddell's disappearance?
No. Her husband, Cailen Waddell, stated that after consulting with family, local authorities, the U.S. Embassy, and others, he 'join[s] authorities in believing there was no foul play' (WRAL, ABC News). Grenada police commissioner Randy Connaught said investigators are hopeful she will be located.
What was Elizabeth Waddell wearing when she disappeared?
She was last seen leaving her Airbnb in an orange top and blue-and-white striped shorts (from surveillance video). She was later seen in the water wearing a red shirt and gray shorts. Her husband said both items were newer and she entered the water in that clothing, according to WRAL.
Where is Elizabeth Waddell from?
She is from Cary, North Carolina, a town in the Research Triangle area. WRAL identifies her as a 'missing Cary woman.'
What is the current status of the search?
The family has returned home, but Grenada police commissioner Randy Connaught said Waddell remains missing and investigators are hopeful she will be located. The missing person investigation is ongoing, according to ABC News.
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