Key takeaways:
- James Paul Gracey, a 20-year-old University of Alabama student, was found dead off Somorrostro Beach in Barcelona after being reported missing following a night out at Shoko Nightclub.
- Spanish police believe his death was accidental, with no signs of foul play, and an autopsy is planned to determine the exact cause of death.
- Friends, family, and the university expressed deep sorrow, highlighting Gracey’s strong community ties and the support received during the search and investigation.
The body of James Paul Gracey, a 20-year-old University of Alabama student from Elmhurst, Illinois, was recovered from the waters off Somorrostro Beach in Barcelona, Spain, on Thursday evening. Gracey had been reported missing earlier that week after last being seen around 3 a.m. Tuesday at Shoko Nightclub, located in the Villa Olimpica area near Barceloneta Beach. Spanish regional police have indicated that his death was likely accidental, and foul play is not believed to be involved.
Gracey, a junior studying accounting at the University of Alabama, was visiting Barcelona during his spring break to see friends who were studying abroad. According to Catalan police, his body was found approximately 300 feet from the nightclub where he was last seen. The police received a call about his disappearance in the early hours of Tuesday morning and launched a search that included assistance from Gracey’s family, with his father traveling to Spain to aid in the efforts. An autopsy is scheduled to be conducted in Barcelona to determine the exact cause of death.
Friends and family have expressed deep sorrow over the loss. Cavin McLay, president of the university’s Theta Chi fraternity, said Gracey had been with a group at the nightclub but became separated from them, and that there were no indications of any threatening encounters during the night. Gracey’s family released a statement describing him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend,” and thanked those who supported them during the difficult time. They also acknowledged the cooperation of local authorities and the U.S. Consulate in handling the situation.
Gracey was a graduate of Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago, where he was a member of the National Honor Society and Latin Honor Society, and participated in lacrosse and hockey programs. His siblings shared heartfelt messages on social media, reflecting on their grief and the impact he had on their lives. The University of Alabama described his death as “deeply felt across our campus,” noting that he was on a personal trip at the time of his disappearance. Barcelona’s Mediterranean beaches, popular among tourists and locals alike, remain a vibrant area known for nightlife and dining, situated close to the city center.
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