Concern is growing for Elizabeth 'Liz' Waddell, a 44-year-old from North Carolina who disappeared after traveling to the Caribbean island of Grenada. She was last seen at Grand Anse Beach in the capital St George's on Wednesday, according to local police.
Authorities appeal for information
Police have not released details about the circumstances of her disappearance but have asked fishermen, boat operators, and coastal residents to report any information. 'We especially appeal to fishermen, boat operators and residents along the southern coastline to report any sightings or relevant information that may assist in locating Ms Waddell,' they said in a statement.
Husband's plea and search
Her husband, Cailen Waddell, a parks manager in North Carolina, shared her photo on Facebook with a heartfelt plea. 'I expect nothing less than Liz's safe return,' he wrote. 'So please send your love, light, thoughts and prayers our way.' He told Grenada Broadcasting Network: 'My wife is a loving, free-spirited person. She could make friends with anyone. She often did.' He flew to Grenada on Friday to help search.
Details of the disappearance
A family friend, Amanda Romano-Harmon, told NBC News that Elizabeth is thought to have gone for a swim and left a towel on a nearby pier. Her traveling companion was studying at their Airbnb. 'The friend saw her go out and put the towel out and sit down and just kind of was chilling,' Romano-Harmon said. 'When she finished up her class, she looked out and she didn't see Liz, so she just went outside and looked around. She didn't really see her at the beach, but she did find her towel on the pier.' The friend raised the alarm after Elizabeth, who did not have her phone, failed to return.
Description and background
Elizabeth is 5'5" tall with short blonde hair, though a missing person's poster from police shows her with pink hair. She holds a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and founded Art of Movement Physical Therapy in Cary. On Instagram late last year, she said she had stopped working due to health issues: '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 added, 'I have no regrets. I think I'm supposed to be learning the hard lessons and taking this time to heal and grow.' Elizabeth and Cailen adopted an adult daughter, Suwan, last year. Anyone with information should contact Royal Grenada Police.
