Spanish authorities have recovered the body of University of Alabama student James Gracey from the Mediterranean Sea near where he disappeared while visiting Barcelona during spring break, as reported [1] by The New York Post.
Officials confirmed the identity of the 20-year-old Elmhurst, Illinois native after locating a “lifeless body” in waters approximately 13 feet deep near the Port Olímpic area on Thursday afternoon.
Gracey had been reported missing earlier in the week after he vanished following a night out with friends.
BREAKING: MISSING U.S. STUDENT FOUND DEAD IN BARCELONA
20-year-old James “Jimmy” Gracey, a University of Alabama student from Illinois, has been found dead in waters off a Barcelona beach.
He was last seen outside a nightclub near Barceloneta Beach during a spring break trip.… https://t.co/AjrDIH9CqT [2]
— NewsForce (@Newsforce) March 19, 2026 [3]
A spokesperson for the Barcelona police confirmed the identification and told CNN, “Everything points to it being an accident, not a criminal act.”
Gracey was last seen on surveillance video leaving Shôko nightclub near Port Olímpic at approximately 3 a.m. Tuesday. According to reports, he became separated from his group of friends inside the nightclub.
When he failed to return to their Airbnb, located about two miles away on Ronda de Sant Pere, his friends reported him missing.
Authorities initially considered the possibility of foul play as search efforts intensified. During the search, Gracey’s wallet was discovered floating in the water off Somorrostro Beach, located just a few hundred feet from the nightclub.
His phone was also later recovered by the police.
The discovery of the body came shortly after Gracey’s family, who had traveled to Barcelona to assist in the search, issued a public statement expressing appreciation for the support they received.
“We are so grateful for the kindness and concern that has been shown for our family during this incredibly difficult time,” the family said, according to Alabama news outlet Al.com.
The family also indicated they would not be participating in interviews as they focus on grieving together.
Gracey, known to friends as Jimmy, had traveled to Barcelona to visit friends studying abroad. His disappearance prompted concern among those close to him, including members of his fraternity.
One of his fraternity brothers, Cavin McLay, spoke about the final moments before Gracey went missing.
“Unfortunately, he was separated from the rest of the group later into the night, and that was the last time we’ve heard from him,” McLay told WBMA.
As the search continued earlier in the week, McLay described the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
“It’s tough. We’re doing everything we can to keep our heads up and remain hopeful that we find him safe, but it’s a tough time. And, you know, we’re scared,” he said.
McLay also described Gracey as someone who took on a leadership role among his peers, noting that he served as a “mentor” to guide other members of Theta Chi “on their journey with their faith.”
Gracey’s parents previously described their son as a “kind, responsible, and devoted son and brother.”
HEARTBREAKING, the body of missing University of Alabama student James “Jimmy” Gracey has been found in waters off Barcelona, Spain.
The 20 yr old junior from IL, vanished early Tuesday am after a night out at the Shoko nightclub during spring break.pic.twitter.com/HptduPbBd4 [4]
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) March 19, 2026 [5]
Authorities have indicated that the circumstances surrounding Gracey’s death do not suggest criminal involvement, though the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.