The body of University of Alabama student James “Jimmy” Gracey was found Thursday at sea after he was reported missing in Barcelona while visiting friends.
The body was found in the waters off the beaches of Barcelona near Port Olímpic by the dive team, according to La Vanguardia. Foul play has been ruled out.
Leaders and organizations are reaching out to the family and Alabama community with prayers and condolences.
Responses
The University of Alabama
“The University of Alabama community is heartbroken to learn of the death of Jimmy Gracey,” the university said in a statement. “Jimmy’s loss is deeply felt across our campus. Our condolences are with the Gracey family during this devastating time. We ask that their privacy be respected as they grieve. The University has been in close contact with the family throughout the week and will continue to provide support to them and to Jimmy’s friends, classmates, and all members of our community who are affected by this tragedy. Counseling and support resources are available to students by calling UAPD at 205-348-5454, and to other members of the UA community via the Employee Assistance Program at 888-283-3515.”
CEO of Theta Chi International Fraternity
“It is with profound grief that Theta Chi International Fraternity mourns the passing of our brother James ‘Jimmy’ Gracey, a beloved member of our Alpha Phi Chapter at the University of Alabama.
“Jimmy served his chapter as both Chaplain and as a Philanthropy Chairman. These roles reflected who he was at his core: a young man of deep faith, genuine care for others, and an abiding commitment to his brothers and his community. He was exactly the kind of man Theta Chi aspires to build — a Resolute Man.
“Driven by true devotion and fraternal love, his Theta Chi brothers in Barcelona searched tirelessly for Jimmy for several days. We are deeply proud of them, and we recognize what they have experienced, along with so many across our brotherhood, has been profoundly traumatic. We respectfully implore local, national, and international media to give these young men the space they need to process and grieve this unthinkable loss. We remind all collegiate brothers of Theta Chi the mental health resources the fraternity provides, and we strongly encourage anyone who is struggling with this news to utilize them.
“We are heartbroken for Jimmy’s family and ask all who loved him to join us in praying for them — not just in the days ahead, but long after the headlines have faded.
“In the coming days, Theta Chi will announce ways to honor Jimmy’s life and legacy. Now and always, he remains in our hearts and a cherished part of our eternal brotherhood.”
The U.S. State Department
The U.S. State Department declined to provide details to CNN, citing “privacy concerns and other considerations.”
Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala.
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Wesley and I are devastated to hear this news. Please join us in praying for Jimmy’s loved ones, classmates, and the entire University of Alabama community. https://t.co/JAcQvuDfcA
— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) March 19, 2026
Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala.
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This is heartbreaking news. I’m keeping Jimmy’s family, friends, and the entire UA campus community in my prayers.
Missing University of Alabama student James Gracey’s body recovered in Barcelona: reports
Spanish authorities recovered University of Alabama student James Gracey‘s body out of the Mediterranean sea near where he vanished while on spring break in Barcelona this week.
A spokesperson for the Barcelona police confirmed the body belonged to the 20-year-old Elmhurst, Illinois native, and told CNN: “Everything points to it being an accident, not a criminal act.”
The heartbreaking identification comes just hours after police found a “lifeless body” in 13-foot-deep water near the club Thursday afternoon — and soon after the Gracey family thanked the public for their “thoughts and prayers” in a new statement.
“We are so grateful for the kindness and concern that has been shown for our family during this incredibly difficult time,” the family said, Alabama news outlet Al.com reported.
The family, who had traveled to the popular destination to search for Gracey, added that they would not be giving interviews “at this time to focus on being together and caring for one another.”
Gracey, who goes by Jimmy, was in the Spanish city to visit friends studying abroad when he disappeared.
Catalan police from the Mossos d’Esquadra search the shoreline and Port Olimpic marina in Barcelona, Spain on Thursday.James Breeden for Fox News Digital.
Gracey’s family thanked the public for their “thoughts and prayers” in a new statement on Thursday.Gracey Family
The nightmare began when he somehow got separated from his group of pals inside the world-renowned club.
His friends reported him missing after he failed to turn up at their Airbnb about two miles away in Ronda de Sant Pere.
Authorities, who once suspected foul play was involved, found Gracey’s wallet floating in the waters off Somorrostro beach, which starts a few hundred feet from the nightclub, on Wednesday. His phone was also recovered by police.
Investigators have recovered a body during the search for Gracey.SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
One of Gracey’s frat brothers who was there the night he vanished was previously holding out hope that he’d be found alive.
“Unfortunately, he was separated from the rest of the group later into the night, and that was the last time we’ve heard from him,” Cavin McLay told the WBMA.
“It’s tough. We’re doing everything we can to keep our heads up and remain hopeful that we find him safe, but it’s a tough time. And, you know, we’re scared,” said McLay, adding that Gracey served as a “mentor” to guide other members of Theta Chi “on their journey with their faith.”
Gracey’s devastated parents previously described the junior student as a “kind, responsible, and devoted son and brother.”
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