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BARCELONA, Spain — James “Jimmy” Gracey, a college student from the Chicago suburbs, was tragically found dead after disappearing during a vacation in Barcelona. Spanish regional police indicated on Friday that his death is likely the result of an accident.
Authorities discovered Gracey’s body on Thursday afternoon in the waters near a beach close to where he was last seen with friends outside a Barcelona nightclub in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
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A Catalonia regional police spokesperson in Barcelona informed The Associated Press that preliminary evidence suggests the University of Alabama student’s death was accidental. An autopsy has been scheduled to confirm the cause of death.
Gracey, 20, was reportedly last spotted outside the Shoko nightclub around 3 a.m. on Tuesday. He never returned to the accommodation he shared with friends, according to his family members residing in Elmhurst. Police have since retrieved his mobile phone.
Jimmy was the eldest of five siblings. His brother, Tommy, honored him with a heartfelt Instagram post, sharing several family photos in tribute.
Gracey was a hockey player, and chaplain of his fraternity.
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On Friday morning, people in Elmhurst put red ribbons on trees near the Catholic grade school he attended.
In a statement, the Gracey family asked for prayers and privacy.
“Our family is heartbroken as we confirm that Jimmy’s body has been recovered in Barcelona. 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,” the statement said.
Barcelona is a popular tourist destination that draws millions of foreign visitors each year. It is generally safe, especially compared with major U.S. cities, where tourists’ biggest worry are normally pickpockets.
The city’s Mediterranean beaches, which are located within walking distance of the bustling city center, are a main draw especially for young visitors. The area where Gracey went out is a stretch of beach with several restaurants and nightclubs that are frequented by locals and tourists.
In an interview conducted before police confirmation of his death, Gracey’s aunt told the AP that he was “just a great kid, a good Catholic boy from the Midwest.”
The University of Alabama said in a statement that the school community “is heartbroken to learn of the death of Jimmy Gracey.”
“Jimmy’s loss is deeply felt across our campus. Our condolences are with the Gracey family during this devastating time,” it said.
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Naishadham reported from Madrid and O’Connor reported from Springfield, Illinois.
ABC7 Chicago contributed to this report.
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