BARCELONA, Spain — James “Jimmy” Gracey, a college student from Illinois who was found dead after going missing while in Barcelona on break, was likely the victim of an accident, Spanish regional police said Friday.
Gracey’s body was discovered Thursday afternoon in the waters off a beach near the nightclub where he was last seen with friends early on Tuesday.
A spokesperson for Catalonia’s police indicated that “all signs point” to the University of Alabama student’s death being accidental, and an autopsy is scheduled.
The 20-year-old was reportedly last observed leaving the Shoko nightclub around 3 a.m. Tuesday. His absence was noted when he failed to return to the accommodations he was sharing with friends, leading to concerns for his safety. His phone was later recovered by the police.
In a public statement, the Gracey family requested prayers and privacy, articulating their heartbreak over the loss. “Our family is struggling to come to terms with this unimaginable loss,” they expressed.
Barcelona remains a significant tourist hotspot, attracting millions annually, known for being relatively safe compared to many major American cities, where visitors usually contend with issues like pickpocketing.
Gracey’s aunt described him as a “great kid, a good Catholic boy from the Midwest,” highlighting the shock and sadness felt by his loved ones during this time.
The University of Alabama community expressed its sorrow, stating, “Jimmy’s loss is deeply felt across our campus... Our condolences are with the Gracey family during this devastating time.”
