Elizabeth “Liz” Waddell, a 43-year-old North Carolina woman, disappeared in Grenada on July 22 after apparently entering the water near a dock. Her husband, Cailen Waddell, said a group of jet skiers tried to persuade her to leave the ocean shortly before she vanished. He said she told them she was a good swimmer and gave them a thumbs-up. Authorities continue to treat the case as a missing-person investigation, while search efforts have so far found no trace of her.
| 1) | Disappearance during a Caribbean trip |
| 2) | Last reported sighting by jet skiers |
| 3) | Surveillance video shows possible entry into water |
| 4) | Search operations yield no confirmed evidence |
| 5) | Family awaits clarity while holding out hope |
Disappearance during a Caribbean trip
Elizabeth “Liz” Waddell, from North Carolina, went missing in Grenada on July 22 while traveling on a girls’ trip. The circumstances of her disappearance remain under investigation, and officials have not announced that a crime has occurred or identified a suspect.
Her husband, Cailen Waddell, traveled to Grenada two days after she was reported missing to join the search. He returned to the United States about a week later after the effort did not locate her. Information about the case has been shared through a website created by her family.
Last reported sighting by jet skiers
According to an update from Cailen Waddell, the last reported sighting occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on the day she disappeared. A group of jet skiers allegedly spoke with her for five to 10 minutes and tried to convince her to ride back with them rather than remain offshore.
“They spoke with her for five or ten minutes trying to convince her to ride in with them on a jet ski and not stay in the ocean. Reportedly she said, ‘I’m a good swimmer,’ and gave them a thumbs up.”
The account suggests that Waddell was still in the water when the jet skiers saw her. It does not establish what happened afterward, and authorities have not confirmed that she drowned.
Surveillance video shows possible entry into water
Surveillance footage from a nearby Airbnb property appears to show a person resembling Waddell walking near a pool while carrying a towel. The person then appears to jump into the water from a dock and swim out of the camera’s view.
The footage provides investigators with a possible timeline and location, but it has not publicly established whether the person shown is Waddell or what happened after the swimmer left the visible area. The video is being considered alongside witness accounts and other investigative information.
Search operations yield no confirmed evidence
Law enforcement search efforts in Grenada have included drones, dive teams and dogs. Those operations have not produced a confirmed sighting, personal item or other trace of Waddell, according to the information released by her family.
The Royal Grenada Police Force continues to classify the matter as a missing-person case. The lack of recovered evidence has left the circumstances unresolved, including whether Waddell remained in the water, reached another location or encountered another set of events.
Family awaits clarity while holding out hope
Cailen Waddell said he is grieving his wife’s absence and believes it is increasingly likely that she has died, while still waiting for the investigation to provide answers. His comments reflect the uncertainty facing the family after the unsuccessful search.
“If Liz walked out of the jungle tomorrow and said, ‘Hey, where’s my passport?’ I’d not be surprised and obviously get on a plane and go get her in a heartbeat.”
The family continues to seek information about Waddell’s whereabouts. Officials have not publicly confirmed a cause of death, and the investigation remains open.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Elizabeth Waddell disappeared in Grenada on July 22. |
| 2 | Jet skiers reportedly saw her in the water at about 5:30 p.m. |
| 3 | Surveillance footage appears to show her entering the water from a dock. |
| 4 | Searches using drones, divers and dogs have found no confirmed trace. |
Summary
The available information indicates that Waddell was last seen swimming offshore in Grenada after declining help from jet skiers. A surveillance recording may show her entering the water, but neither the footage nor the reported sighting confirms her fate. Grenadian authorities continue to investigate her disappearance as a missing-person case.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Elizabeth Waddell disappear?
Waddell disappeared in Grenada on July 22 while traveling on a girls’ trip.
What was the last reported sighting?
A group of jet skiers reportedly spoke with her at about 5:30 p.m. and saw her in the water. They said she declined their offer to ride in with them.
Has authorities confirmed that she drowned?
No. Her husband believes drowning is possible, but authorities continue to investigate the matter as a missing-person case and have not confirmed her cause of death.
What search efforts have taken place?
Search teams have used drones, dive teams and dogs, but no confirmed trace of Waddell has been found.