University of Alabama Student Found Dead in Barcelona
Spanish authorities have indicated that foul play is unlikely in the tragic death of James Gracie, a University of Alabama student, whose body was retrieved in Barcelona. This news comes just a day after the incident.
Mossos d’Esquadra police, responsible for the area where Gracie’s body was discovered, shared with the media that “everything points to an accidental death.”
The maritime police found the 20-year-old, originally from Elmhurst, Illinois, in waters about 13 feet deep off Port Olympic. This location is near the Shoko nightclub, where Gracie was last seen leaving around 3 a.m. on Tuesday.
The heartbreaking announcement of his identification was made shortly after his body was located at approximately 6 p.m. local time on Thursday. In a statement released on Friday, the police mentioned that arrangements were made with Gracie’s relatives in Barcelona.
His father had traveled to Spain to assist in the search for his son, who went missing after becoming separated from his friends in the nightclub and not returning to their Airbnb about three miles away. Eyewitnesses reported seeing him walk toward the rocky shoreline near a coastal club.
As authorities initially considered the possibility of foul play, they stumbled upon Gracie’s wallet floating near Somorrostro Beach, several hundred feet away from the nightclub.
On Thursday, personnel at Port Olympic waved to police prior to the body’s discovery, as divers entered the water with stretchers, returning with what appeared to be a full body bag. To maintain discretion, a blue screen was set up to shield the body from public sight.
An autopsy will be conducted, according to reports from Spanish media, although results may be delayed for several weeks.
Gracie’s family expressed their devastation over his passing, and condolences poured in from the community. “Jimmy was a deeply loved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend. Our family is struggling to come to terms with this unimaginable loss,” they stated.
Known as Jimmy, Gracie was visiting Barcelona to see a friend studying abroad. He was also the pastor of the Alpha Pi chapter of the Theta Chi fraternity.
Mike Mayer, the fraternity’s CEO, described him as a “deeply religious young man” with a “genuine concern for others.” Another fraternity member, Cavin McRae, shared, “Words cannot describe the loss of our beloved brother Jimmy,” emphasizing how much Gracie cared about the well-being of those around him.
McRae fondly remember Gracie as someone who always checked in on others. “His smile and attitude were contagious, and he brought so much light to our chapter. Knowing him has made me a better person,” he remarked, labeling him a “role model” and a “warrior for Christ.”
