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Cary Mother Elizabeth Waddell Missing After Swim in Grenada

Elizabeth Waddell, 44, of Cary, N.C., disappeared Wednesday while swimming near Grand Anse Beach in Grenada. Authorities and family are searching for her.

Cary Mother Elizabeth Waddell Missing After Swim in Grenada

Cary Mother Elizabeth Waddell Missing After Swim in Grenada

The short answer

Elizabeth Waddell, 44, of Cary, North Carolina, went missing on July 22, 2026, while vacationing in Grenada. She was staying at an Airbnb near Grand Anse Beach with a friend. The friend last saw her go to the pier for a swim; when the friend finished an online course, Waddell was gone, leaving only a towel. The Royal Grenada Police Force issued a missing person alert and asked fishermen, boat operators, and residents to report sightings. Her husband, Cailen Waddell, Cary's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources operations manager, is traveling to Grenada to assist in the search. Waddell is the founder of Art of Movement Physical Therapy.

Why it's trending

The case of a missing American tourist in Grenada has garnered attention due to the mysterious circumstances, pleas from family, and local and national news coverage.

Elizabeth Waddell, 44, of Cary, North Carolina, went missing on July 22, 2026, during a vacation in Grenada, according to the Royal Grenada Police Force. She was last seen around 8 a.m. at Grand Anse Beach in St. George’s. Waddell had short blonde hair and stands 5 feet tall.

Waddell was vacationing with a friend and staying at an Airbnb, said Amanda Romano-Harmon, a family friend. The friend was taking an online course while Waddell went outside for a swim near a pool overlooking the bay. When the friend finished, she saw Waddell’s towel on the pier but no sign of her. Police have contacted fishermen, boat operators, and residents along the southern coastline.

Her husband, Cailen Waddell, serves as the Town of Cary’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources operations manager. He posted on Facebook pleading for her safe return. A friend is traveling to Grenada on Monday to assist in the search. The U.S. State Department is aware of the case.

Waddell is the founder of Art of Movement Physical Therapy. Friends describe her as adventurous and free-spirited. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the South Saint George Police Station. The search continues as loved ones await news.

Timeline

  1. Last seen at Grand Anse Beach

    Elizabeth Waddell was last seen near Grand Anse Beach in St. George’s, Grenada, according to the Royal Grenada Police Force.

  2. Disappearance reported

    After her friend finished an online course, she noticed Waddell missing and reported it to police. A missing persons report was filed.

  3. Missing person alert issued

    The Royal Grenada Police Force issued a missing person alert asking fishermen, boat operators, and residents to report sightings.

  4. Family appeals for help

    Family friend Amanda Romano-Harmon spoke to media, and husband Cailen Waddell posted on Facebook. A friend plans to travel to Grenada to help search.

Questions people ask

Where was Elizabeth Waddell last seen?

She was last seen at Grand Anse Beach in St. George’s, Grenada, around 8 a.m. on July 22, 2026.

What happened to Elizabeth Waddell?

She left her Airbnb to swim at a pier and did not return. Her towel was found on the pier, but she vanished.

Who is searching for her?

The Royal Grenada Police Force, local fishermen, boat operators, and her family are involved in the search.

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