Search intensifies for North Carolina physical therapist who vanished during Caribbean getaway

A North Carolina woman has vanished while on a trip to the Caribbean island of Grenada, sparking an urgent search as her family, friends and loved ones plead for her safe return.

Elizabeth "Liz" Waddell, 44, was last seen Wednesday at Grand Anse Beach in St. George's, near where she was staying in the Grand Anse area, according to the Royal Grenada Police Force.

Waddell, a physical therapist, wife and mother from the Raleigh area, is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall with short blonde hair. Authorities also released a photo showing Waddell with pink hair as they asked the public for help locating her.

According to her professional website, Waddell is the founder of Art of Movement Physical Therapy and earned a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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According to a friend who said she has known Waddell and her husband for more than 20 years, Waddell traveled to Grenada for a vacation with another friend, WRAL News reported. 

Waddell's friend reportedly lost sight of her after remaining at their Airbnb to take an online course while Waddell went outside, apparently for a swim.

"She had her swimsuit on, and she went outside their Airbnb," Amanda Romano-Harmon said, according to the local outlet. "They had a pool that overlooked the bay. Liz was set up out there just sightseeing from the pool, and her friend was taking her online course. When she got through with her course, she looked up and she didn't see Liz outside, so she went outside to walk around and see where she went, and she saw her towel down on the pier. So the only thing we can think is maybe she went for a swim."

The friend reportedly became increasingly concerned over the next several hours, knowing Waddell did not have her phone with her, and eventually filed a missing-persons report.

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Waddell's husband, Cailen, was at work when he received the call about his wife's disappearance, according to the report.

He said on social media Friday that he was heading to the area to assist in the search and urged anyone with connections to the island to share information that could help locate her.

He also described Waddell as a kind-hearted person while speaking with local Grenada media outlets.

"My wife is a loving, free-spirited person. She could make friends with anyone. She often did," he told Grenada Broadcasting Network (GBN).

Police are urging anyone with information about Waddell's whereabouts to come forward, specifically asking fishermen, boat operators and residents along Grenada's southern coastline to report any sightings that could assist in the search.

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According to GBN, an extensive search effort is underway with the assistance of police officers, divers and students from St. George's University.

The U.S. State Department told Fox News Digital on Sunday that officials are aware of reports of a missing American citizen in Grenada and emphasized that the Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad.

The State Department declined to provide additional details due to privacy considerations but said it can assist families and friends with filing missing persons reports and help them understand local procedures.

Aradia Fitness, where Waddell also works as a fitness instructor,  called the news of her disappearance "disheartening" in a social media post and said the community is praying for her safe return.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the South Saint George Police Station at 444-4454, the Criminal Investigation Department at 440-3921, the police emergency line at 911, or the nearest police station, the Royal Grenada Police Force said.