The family of a University of Alabama student who went missing in Spain has confirmed that his body was found Thursday in the sea near Barcelona.
Authorities said 20-year-old James Paul “Jimmy” Gracey was discovered in the water near the Somorrostro area. Gracey, a native of Illinois, was a student at University of Alabama, where he was an accounting major, honors student, and a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. He was also known as a hockey player.
Gracey had been visiting friends in Barcelona during spring break. According to family members, he was last seen around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, after becoming separated from friends at a nightclub.
In a statement, the Gracey family expressed gratitude for the support they have received while asking for privacy as they grieve.
The University of Alabama also released a statement, saying the campus community is heartbroken over Gracey’s death and offering condolences to his family. The university added that it has been in close contact with the family and is providing counseling and support resources to students and staff affected by the tragedy.
Authorities have not yet released additional details as the circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation.