Authorities and loved ones are intensifying the search for Elizabeth "Liz" Waddell, a 44-year-old physical therapist from North Carolina who vanished during a vacation in Grenada.
Waddell was last seen on Wednesday at Grand Anse Beach in St. George's, near the accommodation she was staying in. She is described by the Royal Grenada Police Force as 5 feet 5 inches tall with short blonde hair, though a photo released by authorities showed her with pink hair as they sought public assistance.
According to a friend, Waddell traveled to Grenada with another friend for a vacation. The friend reported losing sight of Waddell after Waddell went outside their Airbnb, apparently for a swim. The friend became concerned when Waddell, who did not have her phone with her, did not return, leading to a missing-persons report.
Waddell's husband, Cailen, who is from the Raleigh area, has traveled to Grenada to assist in the search. He described his wife as a "loving, free-spirited person" who "could make friends with anyone."
The Royal Grenada Police Force has issued a missing persons alert and is requesting assistance from fishermen, boat operators, and residents along the southern coastline for any potential sightings. The search effort includes police officers, divers, and students from St. George's University.
The U.S. State Department confirmed it is aware of reports of a missing U.S. citizen in Grenada and stated that the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad is a top priority. While declining to provide further details due to privacy concerns, the department indicated it can assist families and friends with missing persons reports and understanding local procedures.
Waddell is the founder of 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.