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Heartbreaking new detail emerges about missing Alabama student James Gracey as his body found in sea near Barcelona
Tom W.
A tragic new detail has emerged in the case of University of Alabama student James ‘Jimmy’ Gracey after his body was discovered on a beach in Barcelona.
The 20-year-old had gone missing on holiday, but turned up in the most heartbreaking circumstances.
James Gracey was on holiday in Spain
Jimmy Gracey, a 20-year-old student at the University of Alabama, was on holiday in Spain when he went missing.
He had last been seen at around 3:00am on Tuesday morning outside a club called Shoko in Barcelona.
Earlier that evening he had lost his friends after becoming separated from the group, and his fraternity brother confirmed that it was ‘the last time we’ve heard from him’.
It would turn out to be the last time they heard from him at all.
Gracey, originally from the Chicago area, was visiting friends studying abroad at the time of his death.
At the time of his disappearance, according to a social media post from his mother, he’d been wearing a white t-shirt, dark jogging pants, and a gold chain with a rhinestone cross.
Friends and family realized that something was wrong when police called them to say that his phone had been found, prompting his father to travel to Spain to assist with the search.
His wallet was later reportedly discovered near to Somorrostro Beach, before his body was found near the same beach on March 19 as police employed drones to help with the search.
His family released a statement saying they are ‘heartbroken’ by the ‘unimaginable loss’.
The statement also said: “We are so grateful for the kindness and concern that has been shown for our family during this incredibly difficult time.
“We have made the decision to pause media interviews at this time to focus on being together and caring for one another.”
Heartbreaking detail emerges after James Gracey’s death
Police in Barcelona released a statement to CNN afterwards, stating that the body was found ‘at a shallow depth’ adding: “Everything points to it being an accident, not a criminal act.”
The news outlet has a personal connection to the case, with Gracey being the nephew of CNN producer David Gracey.
David Gracey said it would have been out of character for his nephew to go without contact with his family, adding that he was a responsible young man who took responsibility for looking after his younger siblings alongside his parents.
In a statement, the University of Alabama said: "The University of Alabama community is heartbroken to learn of the death of Jimmy Gracey.
“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."
His former school, St Ignatius College Prep, said it was ‘united in grief’ with the Gracey family.
"Jimmy embodied all the values we hope for in our students and graduates–open to growth, intellectually competent, religious, loving and committed to doing justice,” the school said.
“His dedication to academics, athletics, faith and service to others ensured he left a lasting impact on Saint Ignatius and all who knew him.
“He will be remembered for his strength of character, loyalty, and the way he showed up for his teammates and friends.”
Full Gracey family statement
"Our family is heartbroken as we confirm that Jimmy's body has been recovered in Barcelona."
"Jimmy was a deeply loved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend, and our family is struggling to come to terms with this unimaginable loss."
"We are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from people around the world — so many helped to share Jimmy's story and bring his life to light so that others may know him."
"We also sincerely appreciate the continued support and coordination of the local authorities and the U.S. Consulate as we work to better understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy."
"As we navigate this painful time, we kindly ask for privacy so that we may grieve together and begin to process his loss as a family."
The Gracey Family