The search for missing North Carolina mom Elizabeth Waddell has taken a critical turn after her family released surveillance footage showing her hours before she went missing during a vacation in Grenada. The 44-year-old Elizabeth "Liz" Waddell was last seen on July 22 near Grand Anse Beach in St. George's.
The surveillance footage, shared by Waddell's family through a dedicated website, shows her at the Airbnb where she had recently checked in with a friend after spending the first part of their vacation at a resort on Grenada's west coast.
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According to the timestamps on the video, Waddell was seen walking near the shoreline at 11:44 a.m. before heading toward a nearby jetty and entering the water three minutes later. A small boat passed by shortly afterward, while her traveling companion could be seen adjusting a beach chair nearby.
The footage then shows Waddell swimming farther away before she moves out of view. Police later confirmed that she was not captured on surveillance footage returning from the water. The Elizabeth Waddell missing case has drawn widespread attention as investigators work to determine exactly what happened after those final recorded moments.
Police say there is no video showing her return
Speaking during a press conference, Commissioner of Police Randy Connaught of the Royal Grenada Police Force said investigators have carefully reviewed available surveillance footage.
"Investigators have also received several eyewitness accounts indicating that she was swimming in the open water." He also confirmed that Waddell was "not seen on surveillance footage returning from the water."
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Husband retraced the swim during search
Waddell's husband, Cailen Waddell, traveled to Grenada on July 24 to assist with search efforts and better understand the location where his wife disappeared.
In an update posted on the family's website, he described completing the same swim himself. "I went out and did this swim yesterday. It is easy, there are lots of rocks you can stop at if you need. The water is shallower near shore, where Liz could touch if she wanted and the water is like a lake, not like ocean water we experience in North Carolina."
His comments have added another layer of mystery to the Elizabeth Waddell missing investigation, as family members continue searching for answers.
Friend reported her missing after growing concerned
According to family spokesperson Amanda Romano-Harmon, Waddell's travel companion had been completing an online course while Liz went toward the beach. After finishing, she went looking for her friend and found only Waddell's towel left on the pier.
As time passed without any sign of her, concern quickly turned into panic. "She was starting to panic because she knew Liz didn't have her phone or anything with her."
Romano-Harmon said the companion immediately contacted Waddell's husband, who was working at the time, before authorities were notified. Police confirmed that a missing persons report was officially filed at 5:50 p.m. on July 22.
Family appeals for information
Cailen Waddell said his wife had left behind several personal belongings, including her phone, wallet, shoes, cash and bank cards. In a message shared online, he urged anyone who may have seen her after midday to come forward.
"We would like to determine if there is any video evidence or additional sightings of Liz after 12:04 p.m. as we work to determine a timeline of her afternoon."
He also shared an emotional message reflecting on the uncertainty surrounding her disappearance.
"I understand that there are likely many questions, and there are for me too. I am heartbroken that she is missing. Those of you who knew us best knew our commitment to each other, to travel, to nature, and exploring the world as a team."
