Spanish authorities have found the body of a missing college student from Illinois in waters off Barcelona, police said.
The body of 20‑year‑old James “Jimmy” Gracey was recovered Thursday evening near a beach close to where he was last seen outside a nightclub early Tuesday morning. Gracey never returned to the room he was renting with friends, prompting his family to report him missing.
Police said they recovered Gracey’s phone shortly after he disappeared. A student at the University of Alabama, Gracey had been visiting friends in Barcelona during a spring break trip. The junior originally from Elmhurst, Illinois, had been scheduled to the return to the United States on Saturday, relatives previously said.
Authorities transferred the body for an autopsy late Thursday, La Vanguardia reported. Investigators have thus far ruled out foul play, according to the Barcelona-based newspaper. Catalan police said the investigation into the cause of death remains ongoing.
University of Alabama officials said students and faculty were “heartbroken” to learn of Gracey’s death.
“Jimmy’s loss is deeply felt across our campus,” university officials told Newsweek in a statement late Thursday. “Our condolences are with the Gracey family during this devastating time. We ask that their privacy be respected as they grieve. The university has been in close contact with the family throughout the week and will continue to provide support to them and to Jimmy’s friends, classmates, and all members of our community who are affected by this tragedy.”
Has Jimmy Gracey Been Found?
Yes. The body of James “Jimmy” Gracey, a 20‑year‑old University of Alabama student who had been reported missing in Barcelona, was discovered Thursday in waters off the city, according to WBRC News in Birmingham. Spanish authorities have not publicly released additional details about the circumstances surrounding his death, and an investigation remains ongoing.
Earlier Thursday, El Periodico reported, citing local police: “The Mossos d’Esquadra have found this afternoon the body of James ‘Jimmy’ Gracey, the 20-year-old American who was last seen in the early hours of last Tuesday in Barcelona at the Port Olímpic. The body of the young man has been found on a breakwater near Somorrostro beach. The investigation focuses on the official identification of the body, as well as the causes of its fall into the sea. The first hypotheses suggest that he could have died by drowning, although an autopsy has yet to be performed.”
When Did Jimmy Gracey Go Missing?
Gracey was last seen early Tuesday morning, around 3 a.m. local time, after becoming separated from friends following a night out in Barcelona. Relatives said he was last spotted outside the Shoko nightclub near the city’s beachfront and never returned to the short‑term rental where he was staying, prompting his family to report him missing later that day.
Gracey’s relatives had released a statement requesting privacy earlier Thursday, WBRC reported: “We are so grateful for the kindness and concern that has been shown for our family during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement read. “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. We will share updates if and when we’re able.”
Where Is the Shoko Club in Barcelona?
The Shoko club is a popular beachfront restaurant and nightclub located along Barcelona’s waterfront near Port Olímpic and Barceloneta Beach. The venue sits directly on the Mediterranean shoreline in the city’s Villa Olímpica area, a nightlife district frequented by tourists and locals.
‘Just a Great Kid’
Gracey’s aunt praised her missing nephew during an interview before authorities confirmed his death on Thursday.
“Just a great kid, a good Catholic boy from the Midwest,” Beth Marren O’Reilly told the Associated Press. “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.”
Is Jimmy Gracey Related to CNN Producer David Gracey?
Yes. James “Jimmy” Gracey was the nephew of CNN senior producer David Gracey, the network reported as the case drew national and international attention.
Update 3/19/26, 5:41 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new details.
