Who Is Elizabeth Waddell? Desperate Hunt for North Carolina After She Vanishes in the Caribbean as Husband Pleads for Her Safe Return

A North Carolina woman disappeared while visiting the Caribbean island nation of Grenada, as her husband pleaded for “nothing less than her safe return.” Elizabeth “Liz” Waddell, 44, was reported missing after vanishing while staying in the Grand Anse resort area of St. George’s, Grenada, the Royal Grenada Police Force said Thursday.

Waddell, who is married to Cailen Waddell, an operations manager for the parks, recreation and cultural resources in Cary, North Carolina, was last seen on Grand Anse Beach at around 8 p.m. Wednesday, according to police. Authorities have yet not shared any details about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. However, police have launched a search operation for Waddell.

Simply Vanished

Authorities have urged fishermen, boat operators, and residents living along Grenada’s coastline to come forward with any information or possible sightings that could help locate Waddell.

Waddell is 5 feet 5 inches tall and has short blonde hair, according to a missing person poster released by police. The poster included a photo of her with pink-dyed hair.

Her husband, Cailen Waddell, shared the image on Facebook and wrote, “I expect nothing less than Liz’s safe return – so please send your love, light, thoughts, and prayers our way.”

It remains unclear why Waddell traveled to Grenada without her husband.

Cailen, who works as the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources manager for Cary, North Carolina, flew to the island on Friday to support the ongoing search efforts, according to his post.

Elizabeth Waddell is the founder of Art of Movement Physical Therapy in Cary. She earned her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, according to the center’s website.

The business website has not been updated since January, and it appears Waddell may have stopped accepting new clients.

Suddenly Stopped Working

In December, she shared an Instagram post explaining that she had stepped away from work in mid-November because of several health issues, including perimenopause and worsening symptoms related to a previous vagus nerve injury.

“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 wrote at the time.

“I have no regrets. I think I’m supposed to be learning the hard lessons and taking this time to heal and grow.”

Waddell and her husband, Cailen, appear to enjoy traveling, with photos on their social media accounts showing that the couple visited Mexico’s Isla Holbox in May. They also appear to have spent several months in Thailand last year.

The couple became parents in 2024 after adopting their adult daughter, Suwan, according to their profiles.

Hundreds of people have shown their support for Cailen as he continues searching for his wife.

“Barely slept last night after getting the news. Liz is an amazing person, one of the best. Praying to the universe for her safe return,” one friend wrote in response to his Facebook post.

“Oh my god, Cailen. Holding you both in my heart and putting all the good energy into the universe for her safety,” another person wrote.

Another commenter added: “My heart aches for what you are going through. Sending so much love, many prayers and positivity your way. Safe travels and peace to you….”