Body Found in Barcelona Search for Missing Alabama Student
Barcelona, Spain – Authorities in Barcelona have recovered a body during the search for James Paul Gracey, a 20-year-old University of Alabama student who disappeared after visiting a nightclub in the city. The discovery was made in the Mediterranean Sea near Somorrostro Beach, according to a statement from Catalan regional police, the Mossos d’Esquadra.
Police initiated procedures to identify the body, confirming the news on Wednesday, March 20, 2026. While authorities have not yet officially confirmed the identity as Gracey, sources told the Daily Mail that the body has been formally identified and the family notified.
Gracey was last seen Tuesday outside Shoko, a beachfront nightclub in Barcelona’s Villa Olimpica area, a popular tourist destination. His parents, Taras and Therese Gracey, reported him missing after he failed to return to the Airbnb he was sharing with friends. He was reportedly wearing a white shirt, dark trousers, and a necklace with a gold rhinestone cross.
The search intensified after Gracey’s wallet was found on Somorrostro Beach. Police believe a witness saw Gracey heading towards a rocky outcrop near the club following a night of drinking, raising the possibility he may have fallen into the sea.
“Jimmy is a kind, responsible, and devoted son and brother,” the Gracey family said in a statement. “It is completely out of character for him not to check in with family and friends.”
The U.S. State Department has not yet commented on the case. The incident highlights the risks faced by young tourists abroad, and serves as a reminder of the importance of travel safety and awareness.
The Mossos d’Esquadra are continuing their investigation.
