Elizabeth "Liz" Waddell, 44, a physical therapist from the Raleigh area, went missing while on vacation in Grenada and was last seen at Grand Anse Beach. Authorities released photos (including one showing pink hair) and launched an extensive search involving police, divers and St. George's University students. Her husband, friends and the local community are appealing for information; the U.S. State Department said it can assist. Anyone with sightings should contact local police.
Search Intensifies For North Carolina Physical Therapist Missing During Grenada Vacation
Liz Waddell smiling while eating
Family, friends and local authorities in Grenada have launched an urgent search after Elizabeth "Liz" Waddell, a 44-year-old physical therapist from the Raleigh, North Carolina area, went missing while vacationing on the Caribbean island.
Disappearance and Last Known Whereabouts
Waddell was last seen on Wednesday at Grand Anse Beach in St. George's, near the Grand Anse neighborhood where she was staying, according to the Royal Grenada Police Force. Authorities released photos of Waddell, including one showing her with pink hair, and described her as about 5 feet 5 inches tall with short blonde hair.
Liz Waddell smiles during a meal in an undated photo.
Circumstances Reported by Friends
A longtime friend who was traveling with Waddell told local media that she remained at their Airbnb to take an online course while Waddell went outside, apparently to swim. When the friend finished the course she could not find Waddell; she later discovered Waddell's towel left on a nearby pier and noted that Waddell did not have her phone with her. Concern grew over several hours and a missing-persons report was filed.
Family Response and Search Efforts
Waddell's husband, Cailen, said he was traveling to Grenada to assist with the search and asked anyone with connections to the island to share information that might help locate her. He described his wife to local media as "a loving, free-spirited person" who made friends easily.
Liz Waddell and her husband, Cailen, pose together for a photo during a trip.
Authorities issued a missing-persons alert for Waddell on July 23, 2026. An extensive search is underway involving the Royal Grenada Police Force, divers, and students from St. George's University. Police specifically urged fishermen, boat operators and residents along Grenada's southern coastline to report any sightings or information that could assist the investigation.
Official Assistance and Community Reaction
The U.S. State Department told news outlets it is aware of reports of an American citizen missing in Grenada and said it can assist the family with local procedures and missing-persons reporting. Aradia Fitness, where Waddell teaches classes, called the news "disheartening" and said the community is praying for her safe return.
Grenada officials issued a missing persons alert for Liz Waddell on July 23, 2026.
Who To Contact
The Royal Grenada Police Force asked anyone with information to contact the South Saint George Police Station at 444-4454, the Criminal Investigation Department at 440-3921, the police emergency line at 911, or the nearest police station.
Background: Waddell is the founder of Art of Movement Physical Therapy and holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
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