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James Gracey, a 20-year-old student at the University of Alabama, was found dead in Barcelona last Thursday. A law enforcement source has suggested the possibility that Gracey might have been drugged prior to his death.
Reports from FOX News Digital indicate that investigators believe Gracey may have fallen into the ocean near Somorrostro Beach while under the influence, whether due to intoxication, drugging, or a combination of both.
Authorities are awaiting the results of a formal autopsy and toxicology tests before making any conclusive determinations. It remains uncertain whether any drugs found in his system were self-administered or if he was drugged by someone else.
Preliminary autopsy findings, as cited by El Periódico, rule out foul play and align with the police hypothesis that Gracey accidentally fell into the sea, resulting in drowning.
As previously reported by CrimeOnline, Gracey, who hailed from Elmhurst, Illinois, disappeared on March 17. He was last seen at the Shôko beachfront restaurant and nightclub in Barcelona’s Port Olímpic area, where he was visiting friends who were studying abroad.
La VanGuardia reports that Catalan police located his body “four meters in the waters of Barcelona’s Port Olímpic.”
A video obtained by law enforcement showed Gracey walking alone, headed toward a dock area before falling into the water.
Watch the latest video at foxnews.com
On Thursday, police found Gracey’s wallet floating in water near Somorrostro Beach. The discovery happened after aquatic and drone searches began searching the area. The wallet had cash, credit cards, and his identification inside.
Police also arrested a man who had Gracey’s phone.
According to FOX, a law enforcement source stated that the man is someone known to authorities, and has previous arrests for theft. Police believe he may have found the phone and picked it up without interacting with Gracey.
Gracey had been on a personal spring break trip to the country to visit friends who study abroad. According to CNN, Gracey’s flight back home was scheduled for Saturday.
“Our family is heartbroken as we confirm that Jimmy’s body has been recovered in Barcelona,” a family statement read.
“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.”
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Family Handout]