James "Jimmy" Gracey
(Barcelona, Spain) – Authorities in Barcelona have recovered the body of missing American college student James Gracey, bringing a tragic end to a search that began earlier this week.
Spanish police confirmed that Gracey, a 20-year-old student at the University of Alabama from Elmhurst, Illinois, was found in the Mediterranean Sea near where he had vanished during a spring break trip.
According to officials and family accounts, Gracey disappeared early Tuesday morning after visiting Shoko Barcelona, a nightclub located near the Villa Olímpica area along Barceloneta Beach. He had been in the city visiting friends who were studying abroad.
Search efforts intensified after his disappearance, with authorities deploying boats, divers, and drones as they shifted focus toward the water. The body recovered was later identified as Gracey.
Spanish media reports indicate that his wallet was found floating in the sea prior to the discovery, and investigators are now reviewing security footage from the nightclub. Shoko Barcelona has confirmed it provided video from the night Gracey was last seen to law enforcement.
In a statement, Gracey’s family expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received, saying, “We are so grateful for the kindness and concern that has been shown for our family during this incredibly difficult time… We have made the decision to pause media interviews at this time to focus on being together and caring for one another.”
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, with multiple theories being explored—including the possibility of foul play. Officials have not yet released a definitive cause of death.
The case has drawn widespread attention, as both U.S. and Spanish officials continue working to determine exactly what led to the young student’s disappearance and death.
