Police in Barcelona confirmed Thursday that they had recovered a body identified as missing University of Alabama student James “Jimmy” Gracey, who disappeared earlier this week while on a spring break trip to visit friends.
The Catalan police force, Mossos d’Esquadra, said 20-year-old Gracey’s body was found and removed from the water in front of Port Olímpic at approximately 6 p.m. local time on Thursday. His body was discovered in the water about 4 meters deep, according to police.
The family of University of Alabama student James “Jimmy” Gracey is asking for help from the public to help locate the 20-year-old, who was reported missing in Barcelona, Spain.
Courtesy of Gracey Family
Mossos told ABC News previously that a search team had found Gracey’s wallet floating in the sea Wednesday morning and that maritime police and aquatic forces were focusing their search around the area where the wallet was located, while a helicopter had been dispatched to search by air near Somorrostro Beach.
Police said the investigation into Gracey’s disappearance and death is ongoing.
In a statement Thursday, Gracey’s family 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.”
They added, “Thank you for respecting our privacy and holding our family in your thoughts and prayers. We will share updates if and when we’re able.”
Gracey’s family had pleaded with the public earlier this week for any information on the Elmhurst, Illinois, native’s location after he was reported missing on Tuesday.
Gracey was last seen alive early Tuesday morning near Shoko, a club in the Vila Olimpica area on Barceloneta Beach, around 3 a.m. local time.
Gracey had been on a spring break trip and was visiting with friends studying abroad when he was reported missing, according to his family.
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