Hunt for North Carolina woman who traveled to idyllic Caribbean island without husband
The wife of a North Carolina parks manager has vanished without a trace while on a trip to the Caribbean.
Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Waddell, 44, was last seen at Grand Anse Beach in Saint George’s, the capital of Grenada, on Wednesday, the Royal Grenada Police Force said.
Police have not released any information about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
However, authorities have asked fishermen, boat operators and people who live along the Grenada coastline to report any sightings or information about her whereabouts.
Waddell is 5’5″ tall and has short, blonde hair, according to a missing person poster shared by police. The poster featured a photo of her with her hair dyed pink.
Her husband, Cailen Waddell, shared the photograph on Facebook, writing: ‘I expect nothing less than Liz’s safe return – so please send your love, light, thoughts, and prayers our way.’
It is unclear why Waddell, who was traveling without her husband, made the trip to Grenada.
Her husband, who currently serves as the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources manager in the city of Cary, North Carolina, flew to the island on Friday to aid in the search efforts, according to his post.
Physical therapist Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Waddell, 44, has vanished without a trace during a trip to the Caribbean island of Grenada
She and her husband, Cailen Waddell, live in North Carolina but appear to be avid travelers
Waddell was last seen at Grand Anse Beach in Saint George’s, the capital of Grenada, on Wednesday. Police have not released any information about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance
Elizabeth Waddell is the founder of Art of Movement Physical Therapy center in Cary.
She has a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, her website said.
The business website has not been updated since January and it appears that Waddell may have ceased taking on clients.
In December, she shared made an Instagram post detailing that she stopped working in mid-November due to a myriad of health conditions, including perimenopause and a worsening symptoms from a pre-existing Vagus nerve injury.
‘I’ve learned to give up control and live in the moment. I listen to my body as much as possible and give myself grace when I can’t do the things I want to do,’ she wrote at the time.
‘I have no regrets. I think I’m supposed to be learning the hard lessons and taking this time to heal and grow.’
Waddell and Cailen appear to be avid travelers. Photos shared on their social media accounts show the couple visited the Mexican island of Isla Holbox in May.
They also apparently spent several months in Thailand last year.
Royal Grenada Police released this missing persons flyer. They urged anyone with information about Waddell’s whereabouts to reach out
Waddell is the founder of Art of Movement Physical Therapy center in Cary. She has a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
It is unclear why Waddell, who was traveling without Cailen, made the trip to Grenada
The couple officially became parents in 2024 after they adopted their adult daughter, Suwan, their profiles showed.
Hundreds of people have issued their support to Cailen as he searches for his wife.
‘Barely slept last night after getting the news. Liz is an amazing person, one of the best. Praying to the universe for her safe return,’ one friend wrote on his Facebook post.
‘Oh my god, Cailen. Holding you both in my heart and putting all the good energy into the universe for her safety,’ another said.
One added: ‘My heart aches for what you are going through. Sending so much love, many prayers and positivity your way. Safe travels and peace to you….’
Anyone with information about Waddell’s whereabouts is urged to contact Royal Grenada Police.