BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Authorities have discovered the body of James “Jimmy” Gracey, a college student from Illinois who disappeared while on spring break in Spain. The body was found on Thursday in the waters near a beach in Barcelona, according to the police.
Police divers located and identified Gracey’s body, as confirmed by the press office for Catalonia’s regional police in Barcelona to The Associated Press.
A student at the University of Alabama, Gracey was last seen near a nightclub with friends early Tuesday morning. He was in Barcelona visiting friends during his spring break.
Catalan police are continuing their investigation to determine the cause of death.
Gracey, 20, was last spotted outside the Shoko nightclub in Barcelona but parted ways with his friends around 3 a.m. on Tuesday.
Gracey did not return to the accommodation he shared with friends, prompting concern from family members in Elmhurst, a suburb 19 miles west of Chicago. Their worries were confirmed when police informed them they had found his phone.
The Gracey family released a statement late Thursday requesting prayers and privacy.
“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,” the statement read.
“We are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from people around the world. As we navigate this painful time, we kindly ask for privacy so that we may grieve together and begin to process this loss as a family.”
Before the police confirmed his death, Gracey’s aunt described him to The Associated Press as “just a great kid, a good Catholic boy from the Midwest.”
“A very good student, part of the honors program at the University of Alabama, chaplain in his fraternity, and an amazing older brother and role model to his cousins,” said Beth Marren O’Reilly.
O’Reilly mentioned that her nephew had left Alabama on Thursday, spent the weekend in Amsterdam, and arrived in Barcelona on Monday. The family was initially unaware of how the police had found his phone. Gracey’s father, Taras, is in Barcelona working with the police, she added.
Barcelona is a major tourist destination, drawing millions of foreign visitors annually. It is generally considered safe, with pickpocketing being the most common concern for tourists.
Barcelona’s central beaches are a popular attraction, especially for young people. The area where Gracey was last seen features several restaurants and nightclubs frequented by both locals and tourists.
The University of Alabama expressed its sorrow in a statement, saying the campus 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.”
Gracey was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity at the university, where he served as a chaplain and philanthropy chairperson.
O’Connor reported from Springfield, Illinois, and Raza reported from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Associated Press videojournalist Laura Bargfeld in Chicago and writer Suman Naishadham in Madrid contributed.
