BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — James “Jimmy” Gracey, a college student from Illinois, was found dead after going missing while in Barcelona on a break. Spanish regional police stated Friday that it appears he was likely the victim of an accident.
Gracey’s body was discovered Thursday afternoon in the waters off a beach, close to where he was last seen outside a Barcelona nightclub with friends in the early hours of Tuesday.
A spokesperson for Catalonia’s regional police informed The Associated Press that “all signs point” to the University of Alabama student’s death being accidental, and an autopsy is scheduled to take place.
Gracey, 20, was last seen outside the Shoko nightclub around 3 a.m. on Tuesday. His friends reported he never returned to their rented room. Police later found his phone abandoned.
The Gracey family released a statement asking for prayers and privacy during this difficult time. They expressed their heartbreak, stating, “Jimmy was a deeply loved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend,” and expressed their struggle to accept the loss.
Barcelona is a bustling tourist destination known for its Mediterranean beaches, which draw millions of visitors each year. The area where Gracey went missing is frequented by both locals and tourists, particularly known for its nightclubs and beachfront restaurants.
The University of Alabama also expressed its condolences, stating, “Jimmy’s loss is deeply felt across our campus. Our condolences are with the Gracey family during this devastating time.”
This incident has drawn attention to safety in popular tourist spots and the unpredictable nature of enjoying nightlife abroad.
