Body of Missing Illinois Student Found in Waters Off Barcelona Beach
The body of James "Jimmy" Gracey, a 20-year-old college student from Illinois, was found on Thursday in the water off a beach in Barcelona, according to police in Spain. Gracey, who was visiting the Spanish city for spring break, had been reported missing after separating from friends in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Discovery and Identification
Police divers located Gracey's body near the area where he was last seen outside the Shoko nightclub. The press office for Catalonia's regional police in Barcelona confirmed to the Associated Press that the body was positively identified. The University of Alabama student had been staying in Barcelona with friends, and his disappearance prompted a search that ended tragically with this discovery.
Last Known Movements
Gracey was last seen outside the Shoko nightclub around 3am on Tuesday, after which he parted ways with his friends. He never returned to the rented accommodation he shared with them. Family members from Elmhurst, a suburb about 19 miles west of Chicago, grew concerned when police contacted them, revealing they had recovered his phone. This led to heightened fears about his safety.
Family and Background
In an interview conducted before police confirmed his death, Gracey's aunt, Beth Marren O'Reilly, described him as "just a great kid, a good Catholic boy from the midwest." She highlighted his academic achievements, noting he was in the honors program at the University of Alabama and served as a chaplain in his fraternity. O'Reilly added that he was an "amazing older brother and role model to his cousins." Gracey had left Alabama on Thursday, spent the weekend in Amsterdam, and arrived in Barcelona on Monday, planning to spend the week with classmates.
Barcelona as a Tourist Destination
Barcelona is a popular tourist hotspot, attracting millions of foreign visitors annually. It is generally considered safe, especially compared to major US cities, with pickpocketing being a common concern rather than violent crime. The city's beaches, located within walking distance of the center, are a major draw for young tourists. The area where Gracey was last seen features a stretch of beach with numerous restaurants and nightclubs frequented by both locals and foreigners.
Ongoing Investigation and University Response
Catalan police have stated that their investigation into the cause of death is ongoing. The University of Alabama issued a statement on Thursday, expressing that "we are keeping Jimmy and his family at the forefront of our thoughts, and our staff are in direct communication with the family to offer every support and assistance possible." This incident has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory spring break trip.
