Police in Barcelona confirmed Thursday that they have found a body that has been identified as that of missing University of Alabama student James “Jimmy” Gracey, who disappeared earlier this week during a spring break trip to visit friends.
The Catalan police force, Mossos d’Esquadra, said the body of 20-year-old Gresi was found and pulled from the water in front of the Port of Olympic at around 6pm local time on Thursday. His body was found in water at a depth of about 4 meters, 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 the Gracey family
Mossos previously told ABC News that a search team found Gracey’s wallet floating in the sea on Wednesday morning, and that marine police and water forces focused their search around the area where the wallet was located, while a helicopter was sent to search by air near Somorrostro Beach.
Police said the investigation into Gracey’s disappearance and death is ongoing.
The Gracie family said in a statement on Thursday that they are “saddened because we confirm that Jimmy’s body has been recovered in Barcelona.”
“Jimmy was a much-loved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin and friend, and our family is struggling to cope with this unimaginable loss,” the statement read. “We are so grateful for the outpouring of love, support and prayers from people around the world – so many have helped share Jimmy’s story and shine a light on his life so others will know him.”
The family added that they “deeply appreciate the continued support and coordination of local authorities and the US Consulate as we work to better understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.”
Gracey’s family appealed to the public earlier this week for any information on the location of the Elmhurst, Illinois, native after he was reported missing on Tuesday.
Gracie was last seen alive early Tuesday morning near Club Choco in the Villa Olimpica area of Barceloneta Beach, around 3 a.m. local time.
Gracie was on a spring break trip and visiting with friends studying abroad when he was reported missing, according to his family.
The University of Alabama said it was “saddened” to learn of Gracey’s death.
“Jamie’s loss is deeply felt across our campus. Our condolences go out to Gracie’s family during this devastating time,” the university said in a statement.
The university said it was “nearby.” “Communicate with the family throughout the week and we will continue to offer support to them, Jimmy’s friends, classmates, and all of our community members affected by this tragedy.”
