Liz Waddell update: Search expands for missing North Carolina woman in Grenada
CARY, N.C. (WTVD) -- A week after Cary resident Elizabeth "Liz" Waddell vanished while staying at an Airbnb in Grenada, friends, business owners and residents continue to share memories of her as search efforts on the island intensify.
A website dedicated to bringing Waddell home, FindLiz.com, now features a newly released image of the 43-year-old.
Her family says the image was captured by security cameras at the Airbnb where she was staying on the day she disappeared.
Grenada authorities said Tuesday they are expanding search operations. Officials reported that crews have conducted underwater searches and deployed a K9 unit as part of the ongoing effort to find Waddell.
Waddell's husband, Cailen Waddell, remains on the island and has been posting updates online as the search continues.
In a recent statement, Cailen said he and authorities believe there was "no foul play." He said Liz was last seen swimming near Grand Anse Beach around 5:30 p.m. on the day she disappeared and had "communicated her confidence in her swimming and location."
He added that more information will be released "if additional information becomes available."
Liz Waddell worked as a physical therapist in Cary and also taught dance at a local studio.
"We are still praying for Liz's safe return," the studio's owner said Wednesday.
Teresa Peron, owner of Vintage Vogue in Cary, said Waddell was a longtime customer who regularly visited her antique shop.
"I'm shocked, shocked," Peron said.
Peron described Waddell as warm and kind.
"You can feel her energy, her karma. She was a nice person," Peron said.
WATCH: Grenada authorities give update on missing NC woman
An online fundraiser supporting search efforts has collected more than $18,000, according to organizers.
Peron said the news of Waddell's disappearance has been difficult for those who knew her.
"It's sad," she said.
