Update: Authorities announced on Thursday that University of Alabama student James “Jimmy” Gracey, 20, who was reported missing in Barcelona, Spain while on spring break, has been found dead.
A representative from the Barcelona police said in a statement to CNN that the body of Gracey of Elmhurst, Ill. was found on Somorrostro beach near the Shôko Barcelona nightclub where he was last seen. “Everything points to it being an accident, not a criminal act,” the statement said.
CBS News reported slightly different details about where Gracey’s body was found, saying authorities recovered his body after sending out boats, divers and drones to search the sea.
Gracey, a junior accounting major, was last seen at Shôko, a beachfront nightclub in Villa Olimpica. A friend said he saw Gracey at around 3 a.m. (local time), but he failed to return to his Airbnb rental and was reported missing the following day. His parents, Taras and Therese Gracey, said in a statement after news of his discovery was released: “We are so grateful for the kindness and concern that has been shown for our family during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement read. “We have made the decision to pause media interviews at this time to focus on being together and caring for one another. Thank you for respecting our privacy and holding our family in your thoughts.”
***
Authorities in Barcelona had expanded efforts to locate Gracey, a 20-year-old University of Alabama student who vanished during a spring break trip. Investigators focused heavily on the waterfront near where he was last seen, deploying helicopters, boats, divers, and ground units as they work through multiple possible scenarios.
Gracey disappeared in the early morning hours of March 17 after spending time with friends at Shôko Barcelona, a beachfront nightclub near Port Olímpic. According to those with him, he stayed behind when others left around 3 a.m. and never returned to his Airbnb. Surveillance footage reportedly shows him leaving the venue with another individual, though details remain unclear.
In the days since, investigators have been piecing together his movements. Reports from Spanish media indicate that his wallet may have been recovered floating in the sea near Somorrostro Beach, prompting an intensified search of the surrounding waters; however, authorities have not officially confirmed that detail. There are also conflicting accounts about whether his phone has been recovered, though officials acknowledge that analyzing location data could be key to understanding what happened.
Police, including the Mossos d’Esquadra, say they are exploring several possibilities, including the chance that Gracey entered the water. Search conditions have proven difficult, with divers working in extremely low visibility. At the same time, detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from the nightclub and nearby areas to reconstruct a timeline and identify anyone he may have been with.
Gracey is described as about 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, dark pants—likely joggers—and a gold chain with a rhinestone cross. Friends and classmates have joined the effort on the ground, distributing flyers and raising awareness across the city.
The family of Jimmy Gracey continues to emphasize how unusual his disappearance is. In a statement, they said that “Our family is deeply concerned about James “Jimmy” Gracey, who has been missing in Barcelona since the early morning hours of March 17. Jimmy is a 20-year-old University of Alabama student visiting friends abroad during spring break. He was last seen around 3:00 AM CET at the Shoko nightclub in the Port Olímpic area. He was wearing a white T-shirt, dark pants (likely joggers), and a gold chain with a rhinestone cross. He is approximately 6’1” and 175 pounds. We are asking anyone who may have seen Jimmy or has any information—no matter how small—to please contact 224.505.3886. Jimmy is a kind, responsible, and devoted son and brother. It is completely out of character for him not to check in with family and friends. We are working closely with local authorities and are incredibly grateful for the support we have received. We ask that you keep Jimmy in your thoughts as we continue to do everything we can to bring him home safely. Thank you. — The Gracey Family”
Loved ones, along with U.S. officials including the State Department, are working closely with Spanish authorities as the search continues. Anyone with information is urged to come forward by calling 224-505-3886, as efforts remain focused on bringing Gracey home safely.
Editorial credit: Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com
