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The heartfelt search for University of Alabama student James “Jimmy” Gracey, who vanished in the early hours of March 17, has concluded in sorrow. The 20-year-old’s body was discovered off the coast of a Barcelona beach, marking a tragic end to his visit to Spain, where he had been spending time with friends engaged in study abroad programs.
Gracey was last seen departing a Barcelona nightclub before his sudden disappearance. On March 19, Catalan police divers recovered his body from the water, not far from where he was last seen. This location ties the final chapter of his story closely to the club he had visited, as confirmed by The Associated Press.
While the exact circumstances surrounding his death remain a mystery, a police spokesperson informed The New York Times that, at present, evidence suggests it was an accidental death.
Efforts to reach Barcelona police for further comment by Oxygen were unsuccessful as they did not provide an immediate response to inquiries.
Oxygen reached out to police in Barcelona but did not receive an immediate response.
What Happened to College Student James Gracey?
Gracey was last seen around 3 a.m. leaving the Shoko nightclub in Barcelona. His fraternity brother Cavin McLay told WBMA that Gracey had gone to the club with friends.
“Unfortunately, he was separated from the rest of the group later into the night,” he told the outlet, “and that was the last time we’ve heard from him.”
Gracey never made it back to his Airbnb and police later reached out to his friends after finding his phone unattended, The Associated Press reported.
James Gracey’s Family Asks For Privacy
Gracey, who was originally from Elmhurst, Ill., was just about to complete his junior year at the University of Alabama and was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity, where he served as an elected chaplain, according to his LInkedIn profile.
Gracey’s family said they were “heartbroken” by the discovery of his remains.
“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 said in a statement to The Associated Press. “We are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from people around the world. … As we navigate this painful time, we kindly ask for privacy so that we may grieve together and begin to process this loss as a family.”
His aunt Beth Marren O’Reilly described him to The Associated Press as a “an amazing older brother” and a “role model to his cousins.”
According to O’Reilly, Gracey’s father Tavas had gone to Spain to try to help in the search effort.
In a statement provided to Oxygen, The University of Alabama expressed its condolences to the family.
“The University of Alabama community is heartbroken to learn of the death of Jimmy Gracey,” it read. “Jimmy’s loss is deeply felt across our campus. Our condolences are with the Gracey family during this devastating time. We ask that their privacy be respected as they grieve. The University has been in close contact with the family throughout the week and will continue to provide support to them and to Jimmy’s friends, classmates, and all members of our community who are affected by this tragedy.”