Elizabeth Waddell missing after Grenada beach vacation swim
Grenada police are searching for Elizabeth Waddell, a North Carolina tourist last seen near Grand Anse Beach on Wednesday.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
Grenadian authorities are searching for Elizabeth Waddell, missing since Wednesday while on vacation near Grand Anse Beach, a well-known stretch of coast in the island nation’s capital, St. George.
The Royal Grenada Police Force said in a missing person alert issued Thursday that Waddell, 44, of Cary, North Carolina, was last seen at Grand Anse Beach. Police described her as 5-foot-5, of medium build, with short blond hair.
Police asked fishermen, boat operators and people living along Grenada’s southern coastline to contact authorities if they have seen her. Anyone with information was directed to the South Saint George Police Station.
What happened to Elizabeth Waddell in Grenada?
Amanda Romano-Harmon, described by NBC affiliate WRAL-TV of Raleigh as a longtime friend of Waddell’s, said Waddell had been staying at an Airbnb with a friend when she disappeared. Romano-Harmon told WRAL that Waddell’s friend was taking an online course at the rental while Waddell was outside.
According to Romano-Harmon’s account to WRAL, Waddell had been in her swimsuit near a pool overlooking the bay. When the friend finished her course, she could not see Waddell outside and later found Waddell’s towel on a pier.
“So the only thing we can think is maybe she went for a swim,” Romano-Harmon told WRAL.
Romano-Harmon said Waddell did not have her phone or other belongings with her when she vanished. She said the friend became worried after several hours and a missing persons report was filed quickly.
Grand Anse is one of Grenada’s best-known visitor areas, drawing travelers for its pale sand and clear blue water. Police have not announced a cause of disappearance or said that any crime is suspected.
Family asks for help as search continues
Waddell’s husband, Cailen Waddell, appealed for support in a Facebook post, saying his wife went missing Wednesday afternoon and that he was traveling to Grenada to help search for her.
“I expect nothing less than Liz’s safe return — so please send your love, light, thoughts, and prayers our way,” he wrote, according to NBC News.
NBC News reported that it contacted a spokesperson for Waddell’s family. A State Department spokesperson told NBC News the agency is aware of reports that Waddell is missing in Grenada.
Waddell is the founder of Art of Movement Physical Therapy, according to NBC News. Romano-Harmon told WRAL that Waddell loves traveling, hiking and meeting people, describing her as adventurous.
The Royal Grenada Police Force has urged anyone who may have seen Waddell on or near the southern coastline to come forward as the search continues.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.