A weeks-long search for a missing American citizen in Grenada has expanded to include international investigative support, as local law enforcement works closely with U.S. authorities to piece together the circumstances of 44-year-old Elizabeth “Liz” Waddell’s disappearance.
Waddell, a physical therapist from North Carolina, was first reported missing to the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) at 5:50 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, nearly six hours after she was last seen in the water north of popular Grand Anse Beach. The high-profile case has since drawn widespread international media coverage, putting significant public attention on the ongoing investigation.
During an official press briefing held on Tuesday, July 28, RGPF Police Commissioner Randy Connaught outlined the latest updates on the search, confirming that local investigators have formally requested assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s regional office. This request comes as part of broader coordination with U.S. diplomatic officials, Connaught explained, noting that the force has maintained consistent communication with Cindy Diouf, the principal officer of the U.S. Embassy in Grenada.
The goal of bringing the FBI into the investigation, Connaught added, is to help investigators build a clearer, more complete picture of Waddell’s background ahead of her disappearance. As a U.S. citizen, cross-border cooperation is critical to moving the case forward, he emphasized.
Timeline details released by police paint a clearer picture of Waddell’s final known movements. The therapist arrived in Grenada on July 11 from Miami, traveling alongside a female friend. After spending 10 days at a resort on the island’s west coast, the pair relocated to accommodation in southern Grenada on July 21, one day before Waddell went missing.
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators confirms that Waddell entered the water near a local jetty at 11:51 a.m. on July 22, and was recorded swimming under the structure 13 minutes later. Critically, no footage captures her exiting the water. Her traveling companion was captured on camera walking toward the jetty, before returning alone roughly 40 minutes later. That companion ultimately filed the missing person report more than five hours after that encounter.
Since the report was filed, RGPF has launched a sweeping multi-agency search effort, bringing in resources from the Grenada Coast Guard, local commercial dive teams, the RGPF’s own drone unit, and the St. George’s University canine unit. Local community members have also joined search operations, which have covered shoreline, open water, and underwater terrain. The Coast Guard has additionally conducted analysis of local tides, currents, and drift patterns to narrow potential search areas.
Beyond search operations, investigators have worked through evidence systematically: they have reviewed all available surveillance footage, conducted interviews with witnesses, mapped Waddell’s movements across her time in Grenada, and are currently processing hundreds of photos, videos, and tips submitted by members of the public. Investigators are also working to identify any people, vessels, or vehicles that were in the area around the time Waddell disappeared to rule out or follow up on potential leads.
Connaught pushed back against widespread public speculation surrounding the case, stressing that investigators have not reached any final conclusions and that the incident remains formally classified as a missing person investigation. He issued an appeal for continued public assistance, noting that even seemingly insignificant details could prove critical to breaking the case open. “No information should be considered too minor,” he said, urging both the public and media to only rely on the RGPF as the official, verified source of updates on the investigation.
Speaking to the media, Connaught extended his deepest sympathy to Waddell’s family, who have joined the search effort. Waddell’s husband, Cailen Waddell, has traveled from the U.S. to Grenada to work alongside local authorities on the search. In a public social media post shared before his arrival, Cailen Waddell said he expects nothing less than his wife’s safe return, and asked supporters to send love, prayers, and positive thoughts for the operation. Echoing that sentiment, Commissioner Connaught said investigators remain optimistic about the outcome. “It is our hope that Elizabeth will be found, and found alive and well,” he said.