THE family of missing American tourist Elizabeth Waddell has revealed they are flying home from Grenada after days of searching — but vowed they will not stop fighting for answers.
Waddell, 44, was after leaving the beachside Airbnb she was sharing with a friend.
Cailen Waddell shared an emotional tribute to his wife as he vowed to keep the investigation alive Credit: Facebook/Liz Waddell
Elizabeth Waddell is seen in a sweet vacation shot from 22 years ago, shared by her husband Credit: Findliz.com
The Cary woman was reported missing while vacationing in Grenada on July 22 Credit: WRAL News
Elizabeth Waddell was last seen wearing a pair of striped shorts and a burnt orange top Credit: Supplied
Surveillance footage showed Waddell, from Cary, North Carolina, heading for a solo swim at Grand Anse Beach around midday.
She was captured entering the water and swimming beneath the jetty shortly after noon — the last confirmed footage of her before she vanished.
A possible sighting of Waddell in the water was later reported around 5:30 pm, shortly before she was reported missing by her friend, Heather, who had accompanied her on a three-week vacation.
In an emotional update on findliz.com, Waddell’s husband, Cailen, said the family had “done what we can here” and would return to the US.
“To everyone invested in Liz’s story: The family will travel home today, Friday, July 31. We have done what we can here, and the investigation will continue,” the statement read.
The family said they were not ready to take part in interviews but asked people to continue sharing information.
“Without you, so many people would not know her story,” Cailen said, thanking members of the media who helped bring attention to her disappearance.
He also expressed gratitude to the people of Grenada in the West Indies, saying every person they encountered had shown genuine concern and support.
Cailen said, “To the Grenadian people: Thank you so, so much. Every Grenadian we have encountered has warmly welcomed us and expressed so much genuine concern for Liz.”
The family also thanked hundreds of supporters who donated through GoFundMe, saying the money had helped cover the costs of their search efforts.
They said those expenses will continue while the police investigation remains ongoing.
Alongside the update, Cailen shared a deeply personal tribute to his wife.
“On a more personal note, I am simply not ready to write about all the things Liz means to me,” he wrote.
“We met in 2003 at American Dance Festival in Durham and have been together ever since.
“I realized this year that Liz and I have been together longer in life than we have been apart.
“We balance each other, and that makes for a great partnership.”
Authorities say they will continue to search for her after she vanished while swimming Credit: Facebook/Cailen Waddell
Friends have spoken of Elizabeth Waddell’s passion for life and travel since her disappearance Credit: Instagram/artofmovement_pt
He explained, “For now, both of our Instagram accounts, as well as Liz’s business and personal YouTube channels, are the best examples of who she is.”
Cailen also shared a new photo of Waddell joking about on top of a fake crocodile at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island.
He said the image perfectly captured her personality and “sense of fun.”
“I was looking back through photos last night, and this picture popped up in my memories from exactly 22 years ago today,” he said.
Loved ones repeatedly described Waddell as an experienced traveler, an avid swimmer and an adventurous woman who loved exploring new places around the world.
Meanwhile, authorities in Grenada are continuing to investigate Waddell’s disappearance.
Waddell was last seen wearing an orange top and blue-and-white striped shorts, which are believed to be what she was swimming in.
Cailen previously said he agrees with investigators over what they believe happened.
“After careful and thoughtful consultation with family, local authorities, the U.S. Embassy, and others here in Grenada, I join authorities in believing there was no foul play,” he wrote in a statement.
Waddell’s longtime friend, , previously told The U.S. Sun that she had headed to the beach alone as her friend Heather finishing up an online course.
When she didn’t return for hours, Heather went to look for her and discovered Waddell’s towel and belongings near the pier but there was no sign of her.
A missing persons report was filed later and family and friends flew out to help look for her.
Authorities say the Grenada Coast Guard, divers and canine units have been searching the island’s southern coastline, while the FBI and the US Embassy have been alerted.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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