Body of missing student James Gracey found in sea near Barcelona, police confirm
The body of missing University of Alabama student James Gracey, who disappeared on a trip to Barcelona, has been found, Spanish police said Thursday. Gracey's family released a statement saying they are "heartbroken" by the "unimaginable loss."
The 20-year-old from Elmhurst, Illinois, was visiting friends studying abroad during his spring break. His family said he disappeared early Tuesday morning after visiting Shoko Barcelona, a club near the Villa Olimpica area on Barceloneta Beach.
His family said he had been with a group of friends that night but at some point became separated from them and never made it back to where they were staying.
Friends and family said they realized something was wrong when police called to say they found his phone. His wallet was later found near the beach. Gracey's father traveled to Barcelona to help in the search.
Thursday morning, Spanish authorities turned their search efforts to the sea, sending out boats, divers and drones. The search recovered a body from the water on Somorrostro beach, in front of Shoko nightclub where he was last seen, which police identified as Gracey.
A spokesperson said at this point, everything points to this being an accident and not a criminal act. Catalan Police said their investigation into Gracey's official cause of death continues.
Gracey was the oldest of five children. He grew up in Elmhurst and graduated from St. Ignatius College Prep on Chicago's Near West Side. He had flight booked for Saturday to travel home to the U.S.
At the University of Alabama he was an honors student in the accounting program, and a member of the Theta Chi fraternity.
The Gracey family released a statement, writing in part: "Our family is heartbroken as we confirm that Jimmy's body has been recovered in Barcelona. ... We are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from people around the world — so many helped to share Jimmy's story and bring his life to light so that others may know him."
The University of Alabama also released a statement on Gracey's death, writing in part: "The University of Alabama community is heartbroken to learn of the death of Jimmy Gracey. 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."
St. Ignatius issued a statement saying they're "united in grief" with the Gracey family and writing in part: "Jimmy embodied all the values we hope for in our students and graduates–open to growth, intellectually competent, religious, loving and committed to doing justice. His dedication to academics, athletics, faith and service to others ensured he left a lasting impact on Saint Ignatius and all who knew him. He will be remembered for his strength of character, loyalty, and the way he showed up for his teammates and friends. "
St. Ignatius will hold a memorial Mass Monday at the Church of the Holy Family at 8 a.m. to honor and remember Gracey.
Full Statement from the Gracey family:
Our family is heartbroken as we confirm that Jimmy's body has been recovered in Barcelona.
Jimmy was a deeply loved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend, and our family is struggling to come to terms with this unimaginable loss.
We are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from people around the world — so many helped to share Jimmy's story and bring his life to light so that others may know him.
We also sincerely appreciate the continued support and coordination of the local authorities and the U.S. Consulate as we work to better understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.
As we navigate this painful time, we kindly ask for privacy so that we may grieve together and begin to process his loss as a family.
The Gracey Family