Updated March 19, 2026 — Spanish police announced Thursday that the body of University of Alabama student James Gracey, who went missing during a spring break trip to Barcelona, has been recovered.
The 20-year-old from Elmhurst, Illinois, disappeared early Tuesday after visiting Shoko Barcelona, a nightclub near the Villa Olímpica area on Barceloneta Beach. Friends said Gracey became separated from his group that night and never returned to where they were staying. Police later recovered his phone and, subsequently, his wallet near the beach. His father traveled to Barcelona to assist in the search.
On Thursday morning authorities expanded the search to the sea, deploying boats, divers and drones. A body was pulled from the water at Somorrostro Beach, in front of the Shoko nightclub. Catalan police identified the recovered person as Gracey.
A police spokesperson said the circumstances currently point to an accident rather than criminal activity, but investigators are continuing to determine the official cause of death.
Gracey was the oldest of five children and a graduate of St. Ignatius College Prep on Chicago’s Near West Side. He was an honors accounting student at the University of Alabama and a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. He reportedly had a flight booked for Saturday to return to the United States.
The Gracey family released a statement saying they are heartbroken and grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers from people around the world. They thanked local authorities and the U.S. Consulate for their assistance and asked for privacy as they grieve.
The University of Alabama issued condolences and asked that the family’s privacy be respected. St. Ignatius College Prep also released a statement praising Gracey’s character and announcing a memorial Mass on Monday at 8 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Family to honor his memory.
Spanish authorities continue their investigation into the exact circumstances of Gracey’s death.