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The search for James “Jimmy” Gracey, a University of Alabama student who had been reported missing in Barcelona, Spain, reached a somber conclusion on Thursday. Local authorities confirmed the recovery of his body after an extensive search that lasted several days.
Gracey’s remains were discovered at Port Olimpic, a marina located mere steps from the Shoko nightclub, the last place he was seen alive. This area, known for its vibrant nightlife, became the focal point of the investigation after he was reported missing.
The Mossos d’Esquadra, Catalonia’s police force, officially identified the body as that of the 20-year-old junior. Gracey was last spotted in the early hours of Tuesday morning at the Shoko nightclub, a popular venue on Barcelona’s waterfront.
Originally from Elmhurst, Illinois, Gracey vanished around 3 a.m. following his visit to the Shoko restaurant and nightclub. His disappearance prompted an urgent search and widespread concern among both the local community and those back home.
A missing person poster featuring Jimmy Gracey had circulated widely, capturing the attention of many who hoped for his safe return. Tragically, the young student was found deceased after his disappearance in Spain.
“He was with friends, but they got separated at the end of the night,” his mother, Therese Gracey, said. Gracey never made it back to the Airbnb he had rented with friends, his family said.
Divers were seen entering the water with a stretcher at around 7:05 p.m. local time and returned to the dock with a body bag 10 minutes later.
A Catalan police diver from the Mossos d’Esquadra searches the shoreline and Port Olimpic marina in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, March 19, 2026. (James Breeden for Fox News Digital)
The discovery came after a search that included helicopters, boats, dive teams and motorcycle units, as authorities pursued multiple lines of investigation, including the possibility that Gracey may have drowned.
Divers said visibility in the water was extremely limited, at times only about 40 centimeters or roughly 16 inches.
Police had also recovered Gracey’s phone during the arrest of another individual, according to a family spokesperson, and were reviewing location data as part of the investigation.
Jimmy Gracey was found dead in Spain after a days-long search. (James Breeden for Fox News Digital)
“Our family is heartbroken as we confirm that Jimmy’s body has been recovered in Barcelona,” the Gracey family said. “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.”
Authorities have not yet provided information on Jimmy Gracey’s cause of death.