Husband of Missing Mom Who Disappeared on Caribbean Vacation Says Family Will Return Home as Search Continues

The family of a North Carolina woman who went missing during a holiday in Grenada has announced their decision to return home after more than a week of searching for her. Elizabeth “Liz” Waddell, 44, was last seen swimming near Grand Anse Beach in St. George’s on July 22.

Her husband, Cailen Waddell, provided updates on the unfolding situation through a dedicated website for her search. On July 31, he shared the news that the family would be leaving Grenada, stating, “We have done what we can here, and the investigation will continue.” The gravity of the situation has captured attention worldwide, leading to extensive media coverage.

Liz was on holiday with a friend when she was last spotted around noon, having entered the water at Grand Anse Beach. According to Commissioner of Police Randy Connaught of the Royal Grenada Police Force, surveillance footage confirmed the timing of her last known moments. Hours later, as concerns grew, she was reported missing, leading to an immediate response that included several local agencies initiating a search operation.

Her husband mentioned that Liz had been seen swimming far from the shore shortly after entering the water, and he noted her confidence in her abilities as a swimmer. However, subsequent sightings failed to materialise, prompting Cailen to travel to Grenada on July 24 to assist in the efforts to locate her.

Despite the thorough search conducted by authorities, family and local residents, there have been no significant developments in the case. A week after Liz’s disappearance, Cailen expressed his belief that her vanishing was not due to foul play. In a post made on July 29, he shared his thoughts after consultation with family, local officials, and the U.S. Embassy. “I join authorities in believing there was no foul play,” he stated, indicating his hope that she had simply encountered misfortune rather than something more sinister.

As the family prepared to leave Grenada, Cailen thanked everyone who had contributed to the ongoing search efforts. He expressed appreciation for the support of local police, the media, and those who had donated to their GoFundMe campaign. “Every Grenadian we have encountered has warmly welcomed us and expressed so much genuine concern for Liz,” he noted.

Reflecting on the deep emotional toll of the experience, Cailen conveyed his sorrow at departing without his partner of nearly two decades. He reminisced about their relationship, noting, “I realised this year that Liz and I have been together longer in life than we have been apart,” further acknowledging the balance they brought to each other’s lives.

In a poignant message, Liz’s sister, Anna Watkins, shared her own feelings of heartbreak in a statement on the family’s website. “Today I leave Grenada with a broken heart,” she wrote. While she recognised that the missing person investigation remains open, Anna expressed her devastation and inability to process the situation fully. “My heart hurts, and the world around me feels like a blur,” she lamented.

Reflecting on Liz’s joyous spirit, Anna found some comfort in the memories of her sister’s love for the ocean, reminding her children of how their Aunt Liz thrived in the sea. She mused on the possibility that Liz might be “exploring the sea” rather than being lost, sharing a hopeful thought that her sister’s magical nature could have transformed her into a mermaid.

As the family heads back to North Carolina amid their grief, the search for Liz Waddell continues in Grenada. Authorities are committed to investigating her disappearance, and friends, family, and communities alike remain hopeful for a positive resolution.