Elizabeth Waddell’s husband revealed Friday morning that his family has done all they can in the search for the missing mom as they prepare to fly back to the US – nine days after she vanished while swimming in Grenada.
“We have done what we can here, and the investigation will continue,” Cailen Waddell wrote on a fundraiser dedicated to the search effort.
He thanked the Grenadian authorities for their “compassionate” response to the family’s trauma and wished them well as the search continues before turning to supporters back home.
“To the hundreds of supporters on GoFundMe: Your support has had a meaningful impact on our efforts here,” he said.
“Our search-related expenses will continue while the police investigation continues, and we thank you deeply for your continued support.”
Cailen Waddell also reflected on his relationship with physical therapist Elizabeth, affectionately known as Liz.
“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 [the] 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.”
Cailen shared a throwback photo of Liz from July 31, 2004, taken at the North Carolina Aquarium, Roanoke Island.
Liz, who would’ve been in her 20s at the time, stuck her tongue out for the goofy snap and stuck her arm in the jaws of an alligator statue.
“This picture, from the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, absolutely captures Liz’s spirit and sense of fun,” he wrote, reflecting with fondness.
Cailen’s update came just a day after Waddell’s sister Anna Watkins said she was leaving the idyllic island with a “broken heart.”
“While the missing person investigation remains open, I am grieving. I am devastated, my heart hurts, and the world around me feels like a blur,” she wrote Thursday.
Watkins is remaining hopeful that her sister, whom she described as someone with a “magical spirit,” will be found.
“She’s not lost. She’s exploring the sea, still sharing her magic with those around her.”
Waddell was seen going into the water near Grand Anse Beach around noon on Wednesday – with her last sighting coming around five-and-a-half hours later.
She was first seen walking towards the beach at 11:45 a.m. before jumping off a jetty and into the water two minutes later, according to video shared by her family.
The North Carolina native vanished 11 days into her trip to the Caribbean island. She spent the first 10 days exploring with her friend.
Earlier this week, Cailen revealed that he and authorities do not suspect foul play was a factor in her disappearance.
