Manhunt Underway for Missing University of Alabama Student in Barcelona

A search operation has commenced for a University of Alabama student who went missing during spring break in Barcelona, Spain, as reported by his family.

James “Jimmy” Gracie was last seen around 3 a.m. on March 17 near Shoko Nightclub in the Port Olympic region, as highlighted by his mother, Therese Maren Gracie, in a post on a public Facebook group called Barcelona Expat Families. At the time of his disappearance, he was identified as wearing a white shirt, black pants, and a gold chain featuring a rhinestone cross.

According to reports, Mossos d’Esquadra, the Spanish police, are currently investigating the case. They are examining surveillance footage and tracking Gracie’s activities after leaving the nightclub. Police have deployed helicopters and marine teams to aid in the search.

Maren Gracie shared her concerns in the same post, noting that her son had failed to return to the Airbnb he was staying at in Ronda de Saint Pere. “My son, a college student, is visiting a friend who is studying abroad. He went to Shoko last night and hasn’t returned,” she said. She requested anyone who might have seen him to reach out, providing her contact number.

She also mentioned that her son had become separated from his friends during the night, and they were actively searching for him.

Gracie’s brother, Cavin McRae, confirmed to WBMA that the 20-year-old lost touch with the group. “Unfortunately, he became separated late at night, and that’s the last we heard,” McRae remarked.

Journalist Gisela Macedo, based in Spain, suggested that Gracie remained at the club after his friend departed. “He was with a friend who left earlier, but Jimmy decided to stay at the club and didn’t come back,” she recounted.

Police are working to establish the timeline of events following Gracie’s departure from the club.

Furthermore, McRae relayed that Gracie’s fraternity brothers heard reports that the police had obtained his cell phone. “We went to the station, and they said they had his phone,” he said. However, Macedo indicated that this information hasn’t been confirmed, stating that the police were not checking the phone’s status.

Friends and classmates have started distributing fliers and participating in a ground search for Gracie, described as 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing approximately 175 pounds.

In a statement to WBMA, Gracie’s family expressed their deep concerns. “We are deeply concerned about James ‘Jimmy’ Gracie, who has been missing in Barcelona since the early morning hours of March 17,” they said. They emphasized his character as a kind, responsible son and brother, noting that it’s unusual for him not to reach out to family and friends.

The family is collaborating closely with local authorities and appreciates the support received, urging everyone to keep Jimmy in their thoughts and to do whatever they can to ensure his safe return.

Gracie is a junior at the University of Alabama, originally from Elmhurst, and is a graduate of St. Ignatius College Preparatory School.