St. George’s, Grenada — The search for a 44-year-old North Carolina mother missing during a Caribbean vacation has entered another critical stage after a family spokesperson revealed what surveillance footage allegedly captured before she vanished. As loved ones continue searching for answers, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Surveillance Video Captures Elizabeth Waddell’s Last Known Moments
According to family spokesperson and friend Amanda Romano-Harmon, surveillance footage obtained by the Royal Grenada Police Force shows Elizabeth Waddell entering the water near a pier at Grand Anse Beach in St. George’s, Grenada, on July 22.
Romano-Harmon said the video shows Waddell floating and swimming before she eventually drifted beyond the camera’s field of view.
“It shows her … floating, swimming around, but then she, you know, she floats out of the camera view and so that’s the last footage of Liz.”
Authorities have not publicly released the surveillance footage, and investigators continue working to determine what happened after those final recorded moments.
She Left Behind Her Belongings Before Disappearing
Waddell, a physical therapist from Cary, North Carolina, had been enjoying a three-week vacation in Grenada with a close friend identified as Heather.
According to Romano-Harmon, Waddell left their Airbnb around noon wearing only a swimsuit and carrying a towel as she headed toward Grand Anse Beach.
When she failed to return several hours later, Heather searched the area and found Waddell’s towel abandoned on the pier.
Her friend said Waddell had not taken her phone, identification, shoes, or any personal belongings, making her disappearance even more concerning.
“Liz had literally left in a swimsuit with a towel. She didn’t have her phone, ID, anything with her, no shoes.”
Friends Describe a Caring and Adventurous Mother
Those closest to Waddell say her disappearance has left family and friends devastated. Romano-Harmon described her as adventurous, outgoing, and someone who could easily connect with anyone she met.
She said Waddell often stopped to interact with strangers and children during everyday activities.
“Everybody’s a friend for Liz.”
Romano-Harmon urged anyone who may have seen something unusual to contact authorities, emphasizing that even the smallest detail could prove important in the investigation.
She also described Waddell as an amazing person whose family remains determined to bring her home safely.
Husband Joins Search Effort in Grenada
After learning of his wife’s disappearance, Cailen Waddell traveled from North Carolina to Grenada to assist with search efforts.
In a Facebook post shared by media outlets, he expressed hope that Elizabeth would be found safely. He also appealed to anyone with connections to the island to share information with local contacts who might be able to assist.
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Speaking to local Grenadian media, Cailen described his wife as a loving free spirit who could make friends wherever she went.
Authorities Continue Search Along Coastline
The Royal Grenada Police Force continues investigating Waddell’s disappearance and has asked the public to remain alert.
Police issued a special appeal to fishermen, boat operators, and residents living along Grenada’s southern coastline to report any sightings or information that could assist investigators.
Officials believe community assistance may be critical as search efforts continue.
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department confirmed it is monitoring the case while supporting efforts to locate the missing American traveler.
As family members wait for answers, investigators continue piecing together Waddell’s final known movements in hopes of determining what happened after she disappeared from view.
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