Body of missing University of Alabama student found in waters off of Spain
This undated photo shows James “Jimmy” Gracey. (Gracey Family via AP)
The search for a missing University of Alabama student has come to a heartbreaking end in Spain.
The body of James “Jimmy” Gracey, a 20-year-old college student from Illinois, was found today in the water off a Barcelona beach.
Gracey’s body was found by police divers and positively identified. His body was found near where he was last seen outside a nightclub with his friends early Tuesday.
Gracey was visiting friends who were studying abroad in Barcelona for spring break.
Police officers carry the body of a person found in the waters off the Port of Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, March 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Alfonso Beato)
Police say that their investigation continues into the cause of death.
Gracey was last seen outside the Shoko nightclub in Barcelona but separated from friends around 3AM on Tuesday. Gracey never returned to the room he was renting with friends, according to family members who live in the suburb of Elmhurst, Illinois, about 19 miles west of Chicago. They realized something was wrong when police contacted them, saying they had recovered his phone.
The Gracey family asked for prayers and privacy.
“We are so grateful for the kindness and concern that has been shown for our family during this incredibly difficult time. 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 and prayers,” a statement from the family said.
In an interview conducted before police confirmation of his death, Gracey’s aunt told The Associated Press that he was “just a great kid, a good Catholic boy from the Midwest.”
“Very good student, honors program at University of Alabama, chaplain in his fraternity, you know, just an amazing older brother and role model to his cousins,” Beth Marren O’Reilly said.
Barcelona is a popular tourist destination that brings in millions of foreign visitors each year. It is generally safe, especially compared with major U.S. cities, where tourists’ biggest worry are normally pickpockets.
Barcelona’s beaches, located in walking distance of its center, are a main draw especially for young visitors. The area where Gracey went out is a stretch of beach with several restaurants and nightclubs that are frequented by locals and foreigners.
“We are keeping Jimmy and his family at the forefront of our thoughts, and our staff are in direct communication with the family to offer every support and assistance possible,” the University of Alabama said in a statement on Thursday.
Gracey was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity at the school, and the international organization said he held two positions within the school’s chapter.
(Copyright 2026 The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
