Body of Missing University of Alabama Student Found in Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain – Authorities have confirmed the discovery of the body of James “Jimmy” Gracey, a 20-year-old University of Alabama student who went missing during a spring break trip to Barcelona. The body was found Thursday evening in the water off a Barcelona beach, according to the press office for Catalonia’s regional police as reported by ABC7.

Details of the Disappearance and Recovery

Gracey was last seen outside the Shoko nightclub in Barcelona around 3 a.m. On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, after becoming separated from his friends according to Fox News. He never returned to the room he was renting with friends, prompting a search effort. Police divers located his body near the area where he was last seen. His phone was recovered shortly after he was reported missing.

Investigation and Preliminary Findings

Catalan police are continuing their investigation into the cause of death. However, early findings suggest the incident was an accident and not the result of foul play as reported by the Hindustan Times. Authorities had been focusing their search along the coastline, utilizing aquatic and underwater units near Port Olimpic.

Background on James Gracey

Gracey was a junior at the University of Alabama, originally from Elmhurst, Illinois. He arrived in Barcelona just a day before his disappearance to visit friends during spring break. He was a graduate of Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago in 2023, where he participated in hockey, lacrosse, the National Honors Society and the Latin Honor Society as noted by ABC7. The school community expressed deep grief over his death, remembering him for his character, loyalty, and dedication to his teammates and friends.

Reactions and Support

The University of Alabama and Gracey’s fraternity, Theta Chi, have both issued statements of support for his family. A memorial mass will be held Monday at 8 a.m. At the Church of the Holy Family in Chicago according to ABC7. Illinois Senator Dick Durbin and U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy have also offered their condolences to the Gracey family as reported by Fox News.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.