University of Alabama student Jimmy Gracey found dead in Barcelona after spring break disappearance

The body of James “Jimmy” Gracey, a 20-year-old University of Alabama junior who went missing during a spring break trip to Barcelona, Spain, has been recovered, authorities confirmed Thursday.

Catalan Police, known as the Mossos d’Esquadra, said in a statement that the body was recovered in waters near Somorrostro Beach in front of Port Olimpic at approximately 6 p.m. local time Thursday, in roughly four meters of water. The remains were officially confirmed to belong to Mr. Gracey shortly after their recovery.

Mr. Gracey, of Elmhurst, Illinois, was last seen around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, outside Shoko, a beachfront nightclub in the Vila Olimpica neighborhood popular with tourists. He had traveled to Spain for spring break to visit friends studying abroad, his family said. He was wearing a white T-shirt, dark pants and a gold chain with a rhinestone cross when he was last seen.

Mr. Gracey had become separated from his group at the end of the night and never returned to the Airbnb on Ronda de Sant Pere he had rented with friends. His family grew alarmed after receiving word that his phone had been recovered by police during the arrest of another individual. Earlier Thursday, authorities also located his wallet floating in the water near Somorrostro Beach.

Cavin McLay, president of the University of Alabama’s Theta Chi chapter and a friend who made the trip to Spain, said Mr. Gracey served as the chapter’s chaplain and philanthropy chairman and was known for mentoring younger fraternity brothers. Mr. Gracey was also a graduate of Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago and the eldest of five children.

His family released a statement following the discovery. “We are so grateful for the kindness and concern that has been shown for our family during this incredibly difficult time,” the family said. “We have made the decision to pause media interviews at this time to focus on being together and caring for one another.”

A university spokesperson said in a statement that staff stayed in direct communication with Mr. Gracey’s family after his disappearance, and that counseling and other support resources would be available for students.

“The University of Alabama community is heartbroken to learn of the death of Jimmy Gracey,” the statement said. “Jimmy’s loss is deeply felt across our campus. Our condolences are with the Gracey family during this devastating time. We ask that their privacy be respected as they grieve.”