Ongoing Search for Elizabeth Waddell: Timeline, Appeals and What We Know So Far

The search for Elizabeth Waddell: What we know now

A week after North Carolina mother and physical therapist Elizabeth “Liz” Waddell was reported missing in Grenada, authorities on the island and her family continue an intensive search centered on Grand Anse Beach. Waddell, 44, of Cary, N.C., was last seen on Wednesday, July 22, and the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) has asked boaters and residents along the south coast to report any sightings or information. The U.S. State Department says it is aware of the case and has referred questions to local authorities. (abc11.com )

Latest developments and timeline

• Wednesday, July 22: Surveillance video reviewed by police shows Waddell at a jetty near her Airbnb late morning. According to details shared at a Tuesday police briefing, the footage captures her walking to the jetty at about 11:36 a.m., entering the water around 11:51 a.m., and swimming just after noon. The video does not show her returning from the water. (wral.com )
• Around 12:46 p.m.: The same footage shows Waddell’s travel companion walking to look for her and returning alone, police said. Investigators also noted later eyewitness accounts of a woman matching Waddell’s description swimming farther offshore that afternoon. (wral.com )
• Thursday, July 23: The RGPF issues a missing-person appeal naming Grand Anse Beach as the last known location and urges fishermen and boat operators to be on the lookout. (abc11.com )
• Friday, July 24: Waddell’s husband, Cailen, travels to Grenada to assist in the search and shares appeals on social media. (abc11.com )
• Tuesday, July 28: Acting Police Commissioner Randy Connaught announces search operations by the Grenada Coast Guard, divers and canine units on the island’s south side, and stresses that the matter remains a missing-person investigation with no conclusions reached. (wunc.org )

As of Thursday, July 30, 2026, police say the investigation and search efforts are ongoing. (wunc.org )

What authorities and the family have said

At the July 28 briefing, Acting Commissioner Connaught said teams are combing coastal areas by sea and land, and appealed for public tips “to help locate Elizabeth very soon,” reiterating that the case has not been reclassified. (wunc.org )

Family members, who have reviewed portions of the surveillance footage with investigators, released clips this week and described Waddell’s final known movements toward Grand Anse. They also said her towel was later found near the water’s edge, and that she had gone out without her phone or identification. (cbsnews.com )

How to help and who to contact

Authorities have asked anyone with information to contact:

• St. George Police Station: +1 (473) 444-4454
• Criminal Investigation Department (Grenada): +1 (473) 440-3921
• Emergency: 911

Police are also asking business operators and residents along Grenada’s southern coastline to review any surveillance footage and report relevant sightings. (wral.com )

Location focus: Grand Anse Beach

Grand Anse, a popular two-mile crescent on Grenada’s southwest coast, is the focal point of land-and-sea searches. Police timelines reference security cameras near a jetty adjacent to Waddell’s Airbnb and note the lack of footage showing her return from the water. Investigators are working to collect additional hotel and beach camera footage along the Grand Anse corridor to reconstruct movements and sightings reported later in the day. (wral.com )

Community response in North Carolina and online

In Cary, friends and former clients describe Waddell as an energetic caregiver and instructor deeply engaged in local fitness communities. A fundraiser organized to support travel and search logistics has drawn thousands of dollars in donations, according to local reporting. (wral.com )

About Elizabeth Waddell

Waddell is a licensed physical therapist and small-business owner in the Raleigh–Durham area. Coverage has identified her as the founder of Art of Movement Physical Therapy and a well-known figure in community fitness circles. Family and friends emphasize her outgoing nature and passion for travel. (fox35orlando.com )

What remains unclear

Investigators have not released the full surveillance footage or a definitive timeline beyond the noon hour on July 22, and have not publicly confirmed later potential sightings. No items beyond a towel have been reported recovered near the jetty, and police say they have reached no conclusion about what happened after Waddell entered the water. The U.S. government has acknowledged awareness of the case but is deferring to local authorities leading the search. (cbsnews.com )

Key facts at a glance

• Name: Elizabeth “Liz” Waddell, 44, of Cary, North Carolina. Last seen on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. (abc11.com )
• Last known location: Grand Anse Beach area, St. George’s, Grenada. (abc11.com )
• Investigation status: Active missing-person investigation; extensive land-and-sea search by RGPF, Grenada Coast Guard, divers and canine units. (wunc.org )
• Public appeal: Fishermen, boat operators, coastal residents and businesses along the south coast urged to review footage and report tips. (abc11.com )

Responsible coverage note

Details in this report are based on official statements and on-the-record reporting from reputable outlets. Authorities urge the public to avoid speculation and to share only verified information that could assist search teams and investigators. Anyone with credible information should contact the RGPF using the numbers above. (wunc.org )