Intensive Search Underway for North Carolina Physical Therapist Missing in Grenada

Elizabeth “Liz” Waddell, a 44-year-old physical therapist from the Raleigh area, disappeared Wednesday while vacationing on the Caribbean island of Grenada. She was last spotted at Grand Anse Beach in St. George’s near her lodging in the Grand Anse neighborhood, according to the Royal Grenada Police Force.

Waddell traveled to Grenada for a vacation with a friend and was last seen when she put on her swimsuit and went outside their rented Airbnb. Her companion, who remained inside taking an online course, later discovered Waddell’s towel on the pier but found no trace of the missing woman.

Authorities describe Waddell as 5 feet 5 inches tall with short blonde hair, though a released photo shows her with pink hair. Waddell founded Art of Movement Physical Therapy and holds a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also works as a fitness instructor at Aradia Fitness.

Her husband, Cailen, was at work when notified of her disappearance and announced Friday on social media that he was traveling to Grenada to aid in the search. He told local media outlets that his wife is “a loving, free-spirited person” who “could make friends with anyone.”

Police divers, officers and students from St. George’s University are conducting an extensive search operation. Authorities are specifically requesting information from fishermen, boat operators and residents along Grenada’s southern coastline.

The U.S. State Department confirmed Sunday it is aware of the missing American citizen case and stated the Trump Administration prioritizes the safety of U.S. citizens abroad. Anyone with information should contact the South Saint George Police Station at 444-4454, the Criminal Investigation Department at 440-3921, 911, or the nearest police station.