BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — The remains of James “Jimmy” Gracey, a 20-year-old college student from Illinois, were discovered on Thursday in the waters off a Barcelona beach. Gracey had been missing after separating from friends during a spring break trip to Spain. His body was located by police divers near the location where he was last seen outside the Shoko nightclub early on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
The University of Alabama student, who was visiting friends in Barcelona during the spring break period, was reported missing after he did not return to his accommodation after separating from his friends around 3 a.m. Family members from Elmhurst, Illinois, became concerned when police contacted them regarding the recovery of his cellphone. Gracey’s family confirmed the heart-wrenching news, expressing their devastation over the loss in a statement, highlighting his role as a profoundly loved son, brother, and friend.
In their official statement, the Gracey family thanked everyone for their support, stating, “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.” They requested privacy as they cope with their grief.
Before the confirmation of his death, Gracey’s aunt, Beth Marren O’Reilly, described him as an exemplary young man: “Just a great kid, a good Catholic boy from the Midwest.” She detailed Gracey’s achievements, mentioning his good academic standing in the honors program at the University of Alabama and his role as chaplain in his fraternity. Gracey had traveled to Amsterdam before arriving in Barcelona on Monday.
At the time of his disappearance, there was no immediate clarification on how authorities obtained Gracey’s phone. His father, Taras, traveled to Barcelona to assist in the investigation with local police. The area where he went missing is popular with both locals and tourists, often frequented for its numerous restaurants and nightclubs along the beachfront.
Barcelona, a major tourist destination known for its vibrant culture, generally maintains a reputation for safety, with tourists often citing pickpockets as their main concern. However, this incident has raised questions regarding safety in and around the nightlife scene of the city, particularly for young travelers.
The University of Alabama community expressed their sorrow in a statement, acknowledging the deep impact of Gracey’s loss across their campus: “We are heartbroken to learn of the death of Jimmy Gracey. Our condolences are with the Gracey family during this devastating time.” Gracey’s affiliation with the Theta Chi fraternity also noted his contributions as a philanthropy chairperson, revealing his commitment to service within the fraternity.
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Gracey’s death, the focus remains on providing support to his grieving family and friends. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of safety, especially for young people traveling abroad.
