CHICAGO (WLS) — Catalan police say missing American University of Alabama student James Gracey has been found dead in waters off Barcelona seaside on Thursday.
Mossos police mentioned in a social media put up in Catalan that the physique was found in the realm of Somorrostro seaside in Barcelona. The physique was later recognized as Gracey, a 20-year-old man from Elmhurst, Illinois.
Click here for dwell updates on this story.
Gracey’s household launched an announcement after he was found dead:
“Our family is heartbroken as we confirm that Jimmy’s body has been recovered in Barcelona.
“Jimmy was a deeply liked son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and buddy, and our household is struggling to return to phrases with this unimaginable loss.
“We are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from people around the world – so many helped to share Jimmy’s story and bring his life to light so that others may know him.
“We additionally sincerely admire the continued help and coordination of the native authorities and the U.S. Consulate as we work to raised perceive the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.
“As we navigate this painful time, we kindly ask for privacy so that we may grieve together and begin to process his loss as a family.”
The University of Alabama launched the next assertion:
“The University of Alabama 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. We ask that their privacy be respected as they grieve. The University has been in close contact with the family throughout the week and will continue to provide support to them and to Jimmy’s friends, classmates, and all members of our community who are affected by this tragedy. Counseling and support resources are available to students by calling UAPD at 205-348-5454, and to other members of the UA community via the Employee Assistance Program at 888-283-3515.”
Theta Chi Fraternity launched the next assertion:
“Theta Chi International Fraternity and the Alpha Phi Chapter at the University of Alabama together mourn the passing of their brother, James “Jimmy” Gracey, whose body was recovered today after a multi-day search in Barcelona, Spain.”
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Earlier Thursday, authorities mentioned they found the pockets of James “Jimmy” Gracey floating in the water in Spain.
The 20-year-old was final seen on Tuesday at a membership in Barcelona.
He was final seen outdoors of Shoko, a membership in Villa Olimpica space on the Barceloneta Beach, in an space common with vacationers, based on his household.
On Thursday, police mentioned they found Gracey’s pockets floating in the ocean close to the seaside Somorrostro.
Maritime and aquatic have been seen investigating particularly the perimeter the place the pockets was found on Wednesday morning.
Gracey’s mom mentioned police even have his cellphone, which had been stolen.
Local media in Spain reported that Gracey was seen leaving the membership with one other individual.
SEE ALSO | Chicago-area native college student James Gracey missing in Spain during spring break trip
“Jimmy is a kind, responsible, and devoted son and brother. It is completely out of character for him not to check in with family and friends,” his household mentioned in an announcement.
He was final seen carrying a white shirt and darkish pants and a series with a gold rhinestone cross.
“Jimmy” is a junior on the University of Alabama and a graduate of Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago. His mother and father mentioned he was in Spain for spring break.
Local police have been utilizing helicopters and maritime patrol in the Olympic Village space, which suggests they’re involved he might have fallen into the ocean.
An area reporter says Barcelona has a community of surveillance cameras and native police are attempting to reconstruct Jimmy’s actions.
Cavin Clay says Gracey is a member of their Theta Chi Fraternity on the University of Alabama.
The Gracey household is asking for assist to seek out out what occurred to him. Anyone with info is urged to contact (224) 505-3886.
The U.S. State division has been alerted, and issued the next assertion: “The Trump Administration has no greater priority than the safety and security of Americans, and the State Department stands ready to provide all consular assistance to Americans in need abroad.
Theta Chi CEO Mike Mayer said Gracey serves his chapter as both chaplain and one of the philanthropy chairmen.
“We lengthen our full help to Jimmy’s household and family members, and we stand prepared to assist them in any approach,” Mayer said. “The prayers of the brotherhood of Theta Chi are with Jimmy and all who love him”
ABC News and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
