James Gracey updates: Catalan police say student found dead in waters off Barcelona beach

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team WLS logo
Last updated: Monday, March 23, 2026 10:13PM GMT
Body found in Barcelona, near area where missing student was last seen

CHICAGO (WLS) -- James "Jimmy" Gracey, a 20-year-old Elmhurst native, has been found dead after going missing overseas.

Gracey was visiting friends in Spain for spring break, his family said.

He was last seen on Tuesday outside of Shoko, a club in Villa Olimpica area on the Barceloneta Beach, in an area popular with tourists, according to his family.

"Jimmy" was a junior at the University of Alabama and a graduate of Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Mar 19, 2026, 3:55 PM

Chicago-area native college student James Gracey missing

James Gracey, 20, was last seen on Tuesday at a club in Barcelona.

He was last seen outside of Shoko, a club in Villa Olimpica area on the Barceloneta Beach, in an area popular with tourists, according to his family.

The Gracey family is asking for help to find out what happened to him. Anyone with information is urged to contact (224) 505-3886.

Mar 19, 2026, 6:40 PM GMT

Body found in Barcelona, near area where missing suburban college student last seen

Mossos police said in a social media post in Catalan that a body was found in the area of Somorrostro beach in Barcelona.

Officials were working to confirm the identity of the body.

Police did not say this was related to the Gracey case.

The body was found at about 6 p.m. local time, police said.

Mar 19, 2026, 4:02 PM GMT

Gracey's friends are ' hopeful that we find him safe'

Cavin McLay, a fellow University of Alabama student and friend of James Gracey issued a statement on Thursday.

McLay was not with Jimmy's travel group when he went missing.

"Jimmy is a beloved brother and a man of upstanding character. He serves as a mentor to younger classes in our chapter and guides our brothers on their journey with their Faith as our Chaplain.

He also serves as one of our Philanthropy Chairman and devotes his time to giving back to others. He's the guy that goes out of his way to be there when someone needs it.

We're working closely with and appreciate the support from Senator Britts office, the State Department, the US Embassy here in Barcelona, the UA administration and student body, Theta Chi IHQ, local authorities, and everyone else involved.

Thank you to everyone sharing the story and helping to raise awareness.

We're keeping our heads up and remaining hopeful that we find him safe."

Mar 19, 2026, 3:55 PM GMT

'Missing American Male' posters posted on beach

Posters saying "missing American male" were seen on the beach as police continue their investigation.

Despite the police activity and the helicopters overhead, the area continues to be packed with tourists. Bars in the area are still open.

Mar 19, 2026, 4:50 PM GMT

Gracey's wallet found in sea, Spanish police say

Authorities said they found the student's wallet floating in the water in Spain.

Missing college student James Gracey's wallet found found in sea, Spanish police say

On Thursday, police said they found Gracey's wallet floating in the sea near the beach Somorrostro.

Maritime and aquatic were seen investigating specifically the perimeter where the wallet was found.