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Spanish authorities have confirmed that the tragic death of 20-year-old James Gracey was due to an accidental drowning after he fell into the sea near Somorrostro Beach in Barcelona.
According to earlier reports by CrimeOnline, the body of the University of Alabama student was discovered by the Mossos d’Esquadra police on Thursday.
Gracey, hailing from Elmhurst, Illinois, disappeared on March 17 after visiting the Shôko beachfront restaurant and nightclub with friends in Barcelona’s Port Olímpic district, as previously reported by Fox News.
Reports from La Vanguardia detail that Catalan police discovered Gracey’s body submerged approximately four meters deep in the waters of Barcelona’s Port Olímpic. Surveillance footage reviewed by authorities showed Gracey walking alone towards a dock area before his fall into the water.
On Friday, officials revealed that a preliminary autopsy suggested there was no indication of foul play involved, as reported by El Periódico.
“Everything points to an accidental death, although we are not disclosing details regarding how the events unfolded,” a Mossos d’Esquadra spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
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.
Police also arrested someone who had Gracey’s phone, but no additional information has been released.
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.”
[Feature Photo: Family Handout]