OAN Staff Addie Davis
UPDATE: 1:08 PM – Thursday, March 19, 2026: The body recovered by Catalan police on Thursday has been identified as the missing University of Alabama student, James Gracey.
Gracey’s body was recovered by divers in the waters of Port Olimpic, adjacent to the beach outside the club where he was last seen.
While his family did not address the identification of Gracey, the 20-year-old’s family made a statement to the media prior to the recent development.
“We are so grateful for the kindness and concern that has been shown for our family during this incredibly difficult time,” the family said. “We have made the decision to pause media interviews at this time to focus on being together and caring for one another. Thank you for respecting our privacy and holding our family in your thoughts and prayers. We will share updates if and when we’re able.”
UPDATE: 12:38 PM – Thursday, March 19, 2026: During the search for missing University of Alabama student James “Jimmy” Gracey, Catalan police discovered a body on Thursday.
The body was found in the waters of Port Olimpic, adjacent to the Shoko nightclub, according to La Vanguardia. The Spanish news outlet reported that at this time, investigators don’t believe there was a criminal motive, although other outlets have conflicting reports.
According to the Daily Mail, police believe he may have fallen into the sea after drinking at the club, as a passerby reportedly saw him heading towards a rocky outcrop at the beach. The outlet also reported that according to security footage reviewed by police, Gracey left the club with a currently unidentified individual, and the police couldn’t rule out foul play.
Gracey’s wallet was reportedly found in the water on Wednesday, and police officers seized a phone, later confirmed to be Gracey’s, from an individual who claimed to have found it on the beach, per La Vanguardia.
8:25 PM – Wednesday, March 18, 2026: A 20-year-old University of Alabama student has been reported missing during a spring break trip to Barcelona, Spain.
According to a statement from the Gracey family, James “Jimmy” Gracey was last seen at 3 a.m. local time on Tuesday at the Shoko restaurant and nightclub. He was wearing a white shirt, dark pants, and a gold chain with a rhinestone cross. He is about 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs approximately 175 pounds.
He had been out that evening with a friend of his who was studying abroad in Barcelona when he disappeared. His friend left earlier in the night, and Jimmy stayed behind at the club.
“Jimmy is a kind, responsible, and devoted son and brother,” the statement read. “It is completely out of character for him not to check in with family and friends.”
“We are working closely with local authorities and are incredibly grateful for the support we have received. We ask that you keep Jimmy in your thoughts as we continue to do everything we can to bring him home safely,” it continued.
Fox News Digital reported that Gracey was last seen with a brunette American woman shortly before he vanished. Investigators are currently working to identify and locate her.
Noreen Heron, the Gracey family’s official spokesperson, said police recovered his phone during the arrest of another individual.
Gracey, who is from Illinois, was visiting friends in the city during spring break and did not return to his rental that morning, media outlets reported.
His uncle, David Gracey, is a CNN senior producer and stated his nephew is an avid hockey player and responsible young man who helps care for his younger siblings. He added that James had a flight back to the U.S. booked for Saturday.
Gracey reportedly serves as chaplain and philanthropy chairman of his Theta Chi fraternity chapter.
This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.
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