Body of missing student tragically found in tourist hotspot | World | News
James (Image: Family Statement)
The body of a missing student has been found off the coast of a popular tourist beach.
James “Jimmy” Gracey, an American college student, was celebrating spring break in Barcelona when he disappeared on Tuesday, March 17.
On Thursday, March 19, Spanish police found his body in the water off the coast of Barcelona.
The press office of the Catalonia regional police in Barcelona confirmed that Gracey’s body had been found by police divers and had been positively identified.
The University of Alabama student’s body was found near where she was last seen outside a nightclub with friends early Tuesday.
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Gracey was visiting friends in Barcelona for spring break.
Catalan police said the investigation into the cause of death is ongoing.
The 20-year-old was last seen outside Barcelona’s Shoko nightclub but was separated from his friends at around 3am on Tuesday.
According to the testimony of family members, he did not return to the room he rented with his friends. They realized something was wrong when police contacted them and told them they had found his phone.
His family released a statement Thursday expressing “heartbreak” over the “unimaginable loss.”
“Our family is heartbroken when we confirm that Jimmy’s body has been found in Barcelona. Jimmy was a much-loved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin and friend, and our family is struggling to come to terms with this unimaginable loss,” the statement said.
Jimmy’s family is saddened by his loss (James and his aunt) (Image: Family Statement)
“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from people around the world. We please ask for privacy as we navigate this painful time so that we can grieve together and begin to process this loss as a family.”
In an interview before police confirmed his death, Gracey’s aunt told The Associated Press that he was “just a great kid, a good Catholic kid from the Midwest.”
“He is a very good student, an honors program at the University of Alabama, a sorority chaplain, a great brother and a role model to his cousins,” Beth Marren O’Reilly said.
O’Reilly said his nephew left Alabama on Thursday of last week and spent the weekend in Amsterdam before arriving in Barcelona on Monday. Gracey’s family did not immediately know how police seized his phone.
Gracey’s father, Taras, is in Barcelona and works with the police.
The area where Gracey went out is a popular tourist destination; A coastline with many restaurants and nightclubs.
“The school community is heartbroken to learn of Jimmy Gracey’s death. Jimmy’s loss is deeply felt on our campus. We extend our condolences to the Gracey family during this devastating time,” the University of Alabama said in a statement.
Gracey was a member of the school’s Theta Chi fraternity, and the international organization said he served as chaplain to the school chapter as well as being its philanthropy chairman.
