Elizabeth “Liz” Waddell, the 44-year-old physical therapist from Cary, North Carolina, has been at the center of an international search since she disappeared during a vacation in Grenada on July 22, 2026.
As attention has focused on her disappearance, many people have also searched for information about her family, particularly her children. Public reporting indicates that Elizabeth and her husband, Cailen Waddell, have one adopted adult daughter, Suwan. The family has largely kept their private life away from the spotlight, even as they have worked together during the search for Elizabeth.
Her Daughter
Elizabeth and Cailen are parents to an adopted adult daughter named Suwan.
Stick to the Facts
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Because Suwan is an adult and the family has maintained considerable privacy around her personal life, there are few verified public details about her age, education, career or day-to-day activities.
What has emerged publicly is that she is part of a close family that has traveled together and supported Elizabeth throughout her life. Reports about the family’s international travels have also referenced Elizabeth’s daughter alongside her parents.
A Close Family
Elizabeth’s family has been described by longtime friends as close-knit.
Cailen and Elizabeth have been married for years, and their family has shared a connection with friends in North Carolina stretching back decades. Amanda Romano-Harmon, a longtime friend of the Waddells, told WRAL that the families had known one another for about 25 years.
That longstanding network became especially important after Elizabeth disappeared.
The Grenada Trip
Elizabeth traveled to Grenada in July 2026 with a close friend for an extended vacation.
According to reporting, she arrived on the island on July 11 and initially stayed at a resort before moving with her friend to an Airbnb near Grand Anse Beach on July 21. The following day, she went into the water for a swim.
Elizabeth was reportedly without her phone, identification, money or shoes when she went swimming.
Surveillance footage later provided investigators with information about her movements near the water.
The Disappearance
Elizabeth was reported missing on July 22 after her friend became concerned when she did not return.
Family accounts say Elizabeth had gone to swim and left her belongings behind. Her friend eventually found her towel but could not locate her.
Police launched a search that involved land and sea operations. Authorities also appealed to boaters, fishermen and residents in the area for information that might help establish Elizabeth’s movements.
The case quickly attracted attention in both Grenada and the United States.
Cailen’s Search
Cailen traveled to Grenada after learning that his wife was missing.
He worked alongside family members, volunteers and authorities while trying to establish what happened during the hours after Elizabeth was last captured on surveillance footage.
His public statements have consistently emphasized the family’s hope of finding Elizabeth while also asking people to respect the family’s privacy.
Cailen described his wife as a loving and free-spirited person who could easily make friends with people she encountered.
What Authorities Found
Surveillance footage reportedly showed Elizabeth entering the water near Grand Anse.
There was also a later reported sighting involving people on jet skis. According to more recent reporting, two jet skiers said they encountered a woman matching Elizabeth’s description around 5:30 p.m. However, that account has not been independently confirmed through additional footage or evidence.
The uncertainty surrounding the timeline has made establishing her final movements an important part of the investigation.
No Foul Play
Cailen has said that he and authorities do not currently believe foul play was involved.
That does not mean the circumstances have been fully resolved. Elizabeth remains missing, and the investigation is continuing.
Earlier reports suggested that an accidental drowning was considered a likely possibility, but authorities have continued examining available evidence rather than publicly declaring a definitive explanation.
Her Family’s Privacy
The circumstances have placed Elizabeth’s husband and daughter in an extraordinarily difficult position.
Although the family has shared information that could help locate Elizabeth, they have not publicly disclosed extensive personal details about Suwan.
That privacy is particularly significant because Suwan is an adult rather than a child. Consequently, information about her personal life should not be assumed or repeated unless it has been independently confirmed by a reliable source.
Continuing the Search
Cailen returned to the United States at the end of July after spending time in Grenada assisting with the search, but the family has continued efforts to find Elizabeth. People reported that he expressed gratitude to Grenadian authorities, volunteers and members of the public who helped during the search.
A family-run website, Find Liz, has also been used to share updates and information connected with the search.
Elizabeth Waddell and her husband, Cailen, have one adopted adult daughter, Suwan. Publicly available information about Suwan is limited because the family has generally protected her privacy.
The family’s attention in 2026 has understandably centered on Elizabeth’s disappearance in Grenada. She was last seen in the Grand Anse area on July 22 after going swimming, and an extensive search has failed to locate her.
