January 1, PANIC Grows as American Mother Vanishes from Caribbean Beach

Wyatt’s Take

• A hardworking North Carolina mother and physical therapist disappeared without a trace during what should have been a relaxing Caribbean vacation
• Her friend lost sight of her for just minutes while taking an online course — Liz went for a swim and never came back
• Her devastated husband dropped everything to fly down and search, while police, divers, and volunteers comb the coastline for any sign of her

Elizabeth “Liz” Waddell, 44, vanished Wednesday from Grand Anse Beach in Grenada, sending shockwaves through her tight-knit North Carolina community. The physical therapist, wife, and mother from Raleigh was last seen near the Airbnb where she was staying with a friend.

Waddell stands 5 feet 5 inches tall with short blonde hair. Police released photos showing her with both blonde and pink hair, desperately asking the public for help.

The founder of Art of Movement Physical Therapy earned her doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She built a thriving practice serving her community and also worked as a fitness instructor at Aradia Fitness.

According to a longtime friend who’s known the Waddells for over 20 years, Liz traveled to Grenada for a vacation getaway. What happened next has left everyone stunned.

Amanda Romano-Harmon described the terrifying moments when Liz disappeared.

“She had her swimsuit on, and she went outside their Airbnb. They had a pool that overlooked the bay. Liz was set up out there just sightseeing from the pool, and her friend was taking her online course. When she got through with her course, she looked up and she didn’t see Liz outside, so she went outside to walk around and see where she went, and she saw her towel down on the pier. So the only thing we can think is maybe she went for a swim.”

The friend grew increasingly worried as hours passed. Liz didn’t have her phone with her. Eventually, she filed a missing-persons report with local authorities.

Liz’s husband, Cailen, was at work when he got the devastating call. He immediately made plans to fly to Grenada to join the search effort.

Speaking to local Grenada media, Cailen painted a picture of the woman he loves.

“My wife is a loving, free-spirited person. She could make friends with anyone. She often did.”

On social media Friday, he urged anyone with connections to the island to come forward with information that could help bring his wife home safely.

The Royal Grenada Police Force is coordinating an extensive search operation. Police officers, divers, and students from St. George’s University are all participating. Authorities are specifically asking fishermen, boat operators, and residents along Grenada’s southern coastline to report anything they might have seen.

The U.S. State Department confirmed Sunday that officials are aware of the case and emphasized that the Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens abroad. Due to privacy considerations, they declined to provide additional details but noted they can assist families with filing reports and navigating local procedures.

Aradia Fitness, where Liz worked as an instructor, called the news “disheartening” and said the entire community is praying for her safe return.

The Royal Grenada Police Force is asking 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.

Why It Matters

This is every family’s worst nightmare. A mother and wife takes a simple vacation — something she earned through hard work serving her community — and disappears in minutes. American families deserve to travel safely anywhere in the world, and when one of our own goes missing, we need answers fast. Our prayers are with the Waddell family as they search for Liz.