A University of Alabama student who went missing while on holiday in Barcelona died after accidentally falling into the sea, Spanish authorities have said. James 'Jimmy' Gracey, 20, was last seen outside a nightclub in the early hours of Tuesday. His body was recovered from waters off a nearby beach on Thursday.
Surveillance footage showed Mr Gracey walking alone towards a dock and falling into the water without any third-party involvement, according to Spanish newspaper El País. Barcelona police told the Associated Press that 'all signs point' to the death being inadvertent.
An autopsy has ruled out foul play, local media reported. Injuries on Mr Gracey's body were consistent with repeatedly striking the rocks of a breakwater. Toxicology test results are still pending. Police located his wallet and some clothes during the search, and his mobile phone was found in the possession of a known thief, though investigators ruled it unrelated to his death.
Mr Gracey, from suburban Chicago, was in Barcelona with friends for spring break. His family has asked for privacy and prayers as they come to terms with the loss. A statement described him as 'a deeply loved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin and friend'. The University of Alabama expressed its condolences, saying the loss is 'deeply felt across our campus'.
