Illinois Student Found Dead on Barcelona Beach During Spring Break | University of Alabama Student Dies in Spain
The body of James “Jimmy” Gracey, a 20-year-old University of Alabama student from Illinois, was recovered Thursday in the sea off a Barcelona beach, Catalan police confirmed. Gracey had been missing since early Tuesday morning after becoming separated from friends during a spring break trip.
Police divers located the body near where Gracey was last seen outside the Shoko nightclub in Barcelona, according to a statement from the press office for Catalonia’s regional police. The body was positively identified as Gracey’s, authorities said.
Gracey was visiting Barcelona with classmates when he disappeared around 3 a.m. On Tuesday. He had reportedly left the nightclub and became separated from his group. Family members, who reside in the Chicago suburb of Elmhurst, were notified after police recovered his phone, raising initial concerns.
“Our family is heartbroken as we confirm that Jimmy’s body has been recovered in Barcelona,” the Gracey family said in a statement released to Fox News. “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 family expressed gratitude for the support received from the community and authorities.
Prior to the confirmation of his death, Gracey’s aunt, Beth Marren O’Reilly, described him as “just a great kid, a good Catholic boy from the midwest.” She highlighted his academic achievements and involvement in campus life, noting he was an honors student and chaplain in his fraternity. O’Reilly said her nephew had arrived in Barcelona on Monday after spending the weekend in Amsterdam.
The University of Alabama released a statement Thursday acknowledging the loss. “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 said.
Catalan police have stated that their investigation into the cause of death is ongoing. Divers began searching the waters after a witness reported seeing a young man walking toward the sea, according to reports in Spanish newspapers. While initial reports suggested a wallet was found, police have not released details regarding the circumstances surrounding Gracey’s death.
Barcelona is a popular destination for international tourists, attracting millions of visitors annually. Authorities generally consider the city safe, with pickpocketing being the most common concern for tourists. The area surrounding the Shoko nightclub is a frequented spot for both locals and visitors, featuring numerous restaurants and nightlife venues.
The Gracey family has requested privacy as they grieve and has paused media interviews. They indicated they would share updates when able.