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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Authorities are now considering the disappearance of a University of Alabama student in Spain as potentially involving foul play, as per the latest local media reports.
During a discussion with CBS 42, Gisela Macedo, a journalist for Barcelona’s El Periódico, revealed that the Mossos d’Esquadra police have reviewed surveillance footage capturing James “Jimmy” Paul Gracey near Shôko, a popular restaurant and nightclub in the Olympic Village, around 3 a.m. on Tuesday. According to Macedo, although the footage hasn’t been publicly disclosed, it shows Gracey leaving the venue alongside another person, prompting police to suspect there may be a sinister angle to his disappearance.
Therese Gracey, his mother, shared that her son was on a visit to see friends studying abroad in Barcelona. On Monday night, he went out with them but never returned to his accommodation. She noted that the police have possession of his phone.
Macedo added that investigators are actively tracking Gracey’s movements after he exited Shôko. The search efforts are concentrated around the city’s nightlife spots and the area where Gracey was staying.
Currently, no suspects have been identified in the case.
On Tuesday, Therese posted a plea for help finding Gracey on the “Students in Barcelona 2026” Facebook page.
“Our family is deeply concerned about James “Jimmy” Gracey, who has been missing in Barcelona since the early morning hours of March 17.
The Gracey family sent the following statement Wednesday:
“Jimmy is a 20-year-old University of Alabama student visiting friends abroad during spring break. He was last seen around 3:00 AM CET at the Shoko nightclub in the Port Olímpic area. He was wearing a white T-shirt, dark pants (likely joggers), and a gold chain with a rhinestone cross. He is approximately 6’1” and 175 pounds.
“We are asking anyone who may have seen Jimmy or has any information—no matter how small—to please contact 224.505.3886.
“Jimmy is a kind, responsible, and devoted son and brother. It is completely out of character for him not to check in with family and friends.
“We are working closely with local authorities and are incredibly grateful for the support we have received. We ask that you keep Jimmy in your thoughts as we continue to do everything we can to bring him home safely.”
The UA has released the following statement on Gracey:
“James Paul Gracey is a UA student on a personal trip. UA staff are in touch with the family and those associated with them to offer support and assistance in any way possible.”
The case remains under investigation.