The body of 20-year-old University of Alabama student James "Jimmy" Gracey was found in the water off a Barcelona beach on Thursday, police confirmed.
Gracey was last seen around 3 a.m. Tuesday outside Shoko nightclub with friends during spring break. He failed to return to his Airbnb the following morning.
Catalan police divers located and positively identified his body near the nightclub. The cause of death remains under investigation.
A member of the Theta Chi fraternity and its chaplain, Gracey was described by family and university officials as a dedicated student, athlete, and philanthropist. He graduated from Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago in 2023 and played lacrosse and hockey.
His family, including his father who is in Barcelona working with authorities, released a statement asking for privacy as they grieve. The U.S. Consulate is assisting in the investigation.
The University of Alabama and Saint Ignatius College Prep both expressed profound sorrow, honoring Gracey’s character, leadership, and commitment to his community.