Authorities in Barcelona confirmed Thursday that search teams recovered the body of James “Jimmy” Gracey, a University of Alabama student who vanished during a spring break trip earlier this week.
The Mossos d’Esquadra, Catalonia’s regional police force, located Gracey’s body in the waters near Somorrostro Beach on Thursday afternoon. The discovery followed an intensive multi-day search involving specialized underwater and maritime units centered around the city’s Port Olímpic district.
Timeline of the Disappearance
Gracey was reported missing after a night out with friends on Monday, March 16. According to accounts provided by his mother, Therese Marren Gracey, the group visited the Shôko nightclub, a popular beachfront venue.
Investigators established the following sequence of events:
- Tuesday, 3:00 a.m.: Gracey was last seen by a friend who was departing the club. Gracey reportedly chose to remain behind.
- Tuesday Morning: Surveillance footage reviewed by local authorities reportedly showed Gracey leaving the venue accompanied by an unidentified individual.
- Tuesday Afternoon: Gracey failed to return to his group’s Airbnb rental, prompting his family to alert authorities and launch a social media appeal.
The Search and Recovery
The search intensified on Wednesday and Thursday as local outlets, including La Vanguardia, reported that authorities had discovered Gracey’s wallet floating at sea. This find led police to cordon off a specific section of Somorrostro Beach.
The Mossos d’Esquadra activated the Underwater and Maritime units at Port Olímpic to conduct a tactical sweep of the coastline. While a police spokesperson declined to provide specific details regarding the recovery of personal effects, they confirmed the body found in the water belonged to the missing student.
Official Statements and Reactions
The University of Alabama released a statement late Thursday expressing profound grief over the loss of one of their own.
“Jimmy’s loss is deeply felt across our campus. Our condolences are with the Gracey family during this devastating time,” the university stated. “The University has been in close contact with the family throughout the week and will continue to provide support to Jimmy’s friends, classmates, and all members of our community.”
In a statement obtained via a family representative, the Gracey family thanked the public for the “kindness and concern” shown during the search but requested privacy as they navigate the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.
An autopsy is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. Currently, Spanish authorities have not released information regarding potential foul play or whether the individual seen with Gracey on surveillance footage has been questioned.
The U.S. Consulate in Barcelona is expected to assist the family with the repatriation of Gracey’s remains.
