Why it's trending
The disappearance of Elizabeth Waddell has gained attention due to the release of security footage showing her swimming just before vanishing, combined with her husband's public statements and ongoing media coverage from outlets like WRAL and USA Today. The mystery and the family's active search efforts have driven public interest.
Elizabeth Waddell, a 44-year-old mother from Cary, North Carolina, disappeared while vacationing in Grenada on July 22, 2026. She was last seen swimming near the Grand Anse Beach area. Her friend, who was staying with her at an Airbnb, reported her missing after not seeing her for hours. The Royal Grenada Police Force has been involved in the search, and security footage shows Waddell swimming under a jetty earlier that day.
According to Amanda Romano-Harmon, a family friend, Waddell had been sightseeing with a friend and left their Airbnb to swim while her friend took an online course. When the friend finished, she saw Waddell's towel on a pier but no sign of her. Waddell's husband, Cailen, who is the Town of Cary’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources operations manager, traveled to Grenada on July 24 and has cooperated with police. He stated on a family website that he believes there was no foul play, citing her confidence in swimming and the beauty of the island.
The timeline of events: Waddell arrived in Grenada on July 11 with a female friend. They stayed at a resort on the western side for 10 days, then moved to a southern residence on July 21. On July 22, she was last seen swimming. The missing persons report was filed that day. Police have searched the premises, shorelines, and nearby waters, and have contacted local fishermen and boat operators. A press conference held on July 28 provided updates, and the family released security footage to aid the search.
No foul play is suspected by either the husband or the Royal Grenada Police Force. The search remains active, with authorities and volunteers scouring the coastline. Waddell's family has set up a website for updates. The case continues to draw attention as a missing person investigation in a popular Caribbean destination.
Timeline
- Arrival in Grenada
Elizabeth Waddell and her female friend arrive in Grenada. They stay at a resort on the western side of the island, according to the Royal Grenada Police Force.
- Move to southern residence
The pair moves to an Airbnb in the southern part of Grenada as part of a pre-arranged plan to explore both parts of the island, per police.
- Last sighting
Elizabeth Waddell is last seen in the Grand Anse Beach area. She leaves her friend at the Airbnb to swim. Security footage later shows her swimming under a jetty. Her friend reports her missing after finding her towel on a pier.
- Husband arrives in Grenada
Cailen Waddell arrives in Grenada to aid in the search. He cooperates with police and later states he believes there was no foul play.
- Press conference and footage release
Royal Grenada Police Force Acting Commissioner Randy Connaught holds a press conference. The family releases security footage of Waddell swimming. The police confirm they are searching coastlines and contacting local boat operators.
- Family update
Cailen Waddell posts on the family website that despite extensive search efforts, Elizabeth has not been located. He reiterates his belief that there was no foul play.
Questions people ask
When was Elizabeth Waddell last seen?
She was last seen around 8 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in the Grand Anse Beach area of St. George’s, Grenada, according to the Royal Grenada Police Force.
Do authorities suspect foul play?
No. Her husband, Cailen Waddell, has stated he believes there was no foul play, and the Royal Grenada Police Force has not indicated any suspicion of foul play, as reported by USA Today and People.com.
What does the security footage show?
The footage, released by the family on July 28, shows Elizabeth Waddell swimming beneath a jetty on the day she disappeared, according to the Royal Grenada Police Force.
What was she wearing when she disappeared?
According to her friend, she was wearing a swimsuit when she left the Airbnb to swim, as reported by WRAL.
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