A spring break getaway in Barcelona ended in heartbreak after authorities recovered the body of a missing American college student from the waters near a popular nightlife district.
According to the New York Post, officials confirmed that the body pulled from the Mediterranean Sea belonged to James Gracey, a 20-year-old from Illinois who had vanished earlier in the week.
A spokesperson for local police said there were no signs of foul play. “Everything points to it being an accident, not a criminal act.”
Gracey, a student at the University of Alabama, had been visiting friends studying abroad when he disappeared. Surveillance footage showed him leaving Shôko nightclub near Port Olímpic around 3 a.m. Tuesday — the last confirmed sighting of him alive.
His disappearance sparked a frantic search effort. Friends reported him missing after he failed to return to their Airbnb, located about two miles away.
The situation grew more alarming when authorities recovered his wallet floating near Somorrostro Beach, just a short distance from the nightclub. His phone was also later found.
On Thursday afternoon, police discovered a “lifeless body” in waters about 13 feet deep near the same area. Hours later, officials confirmed it was Gracey.
The devastating news prompted an emotional response from his family, who had traveled to Spain to help search for him.
“We are so grateful for the kindness and concern that has been shown for our family during this incredibly difficult time,” they said in a statement. They added they would not be giving interviews “at this time to focus on being together and caring for one another.”
Friends who were with Gracey the night he disappeared described the moment he became separated from the group as the start of a nightmare.
“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,” said Cavin McLay.
“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 added.
Gracey’s loved ones remembered him as a steady presence in their lives, with his parents previously describing him as a “kind, responsible, and devoted son and brother.”
