Missing University of Alabama student Jimmy Gracey found dead in Barcelona

Authorities confirmed his remains were found at Port Olimpic after a search involving helicopters, dive teams and boats

The body of missing University of Alabama student James “Jimmy” Gracey was recovered Thursday in Barcelona, Spain, after a days-long search, authorities confirmed.

Police recovered the body at Port Olimpic, a marina just steps from the waterfront nightclub where Gracey was last seen.

A spokesperson for Mossos d’Esquadra said the remains recovered at Port Olimpic have been identified as belonging to the 20-year-old junior, who was last seen early Tuesday morning at the waterfront Shoko nightclub.

Gracey, of Elmhurst, Illinois, disappeared around 3 a.m. after visiting the Shoko restaurant and nightclub.

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A missing person poster featuring Jimmy Gracey. The 20-year-old was found dead after going missing in Spain. (James Breeden for Fox News Digital)

“He was with friends, but they got separated at the end of the night,” his mother, Therese Gracey, said. Gracey never made it back to the Airbnb he had rented with friends, his family said.

Divers were seen entering the water with a stretcher at around 7:05 p.m. local time and returned to the dock with a body bag 10 minutes later.

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A Catalan police diver from the Mossos d’Esquadra searches the shoreline and Port Olimpic marina in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, March 19, 2026. (James Breeden for Fox News Digital)

The discovery came after a search that included helicopters, boats, dive teams and motorcycle units, as authorities pursued multiple lines of investigation, including the possibility that Gracey may have drowned.

Divers said visibility in the water was extremely limited, at times only about 40 centimeters or roughly 16 inches.

This split image shows three recent portraits of University of Alabama student Jimmy Gracey, who died during a spring break trip to Barcelona, Spain. (Gracey family)

Police had also recovered Gracey’s phone during the arrest of another individual, according to a family spokesperson, and were reviewing location data as part of the investigation.

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Jimmy Gracey was found dead in Spain after a days-long search.  (James Breeden for Fox News Digital)

“Our family is heartbroken as we confirm that Jimmy’s body has been recovered in Barcelona,” the Gracey family said. “Jimmy was a deeply loved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend, and our family is struggling to come to terms with this unimaginable loss.”

Authorities have not yet provided information on Jimmy Gracey’s cause of death.

Our family is heartbroken as we confirm that Jimmy’s body has been recovered in Barcelona.

Jimmy was a deeply loved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend, and our family is struggling to come to terms with this unimaginable loss.

We are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from people around the world – so many helped to share Jimmy’s story and bring his life to light so that others may know him.

We also sincerely appreciate the continued support and coordination of the local authorities and the U.S. Consulate as we work to better understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.

As we navigate this painful time, we kindly ask for privacy so that we may grieve together and begin to process his loss as a family.

The Gracey Family

I AM BAWLING! Grab your tissues! One of Jimmy Gracey’s brothers, Tommy, posted this tribute on his Instagram:

“To my Beautiful Big Brother, Jimmy

I don’t know what to say or how to deal with this. I can’t believe it. I’m gonna miss all the texts and calls about hockey, school, and life in general. I’m not ready to say goodbye to that. All the random inside jokes and mom would have no idea what we were talking about. I still don’t know what you did at Ignatius to get so popular. I still have people ask if I’m your brother. I guess you really didn’t want to tell me. I don’t know how to get through this or how to take over your roll in the family. Your courage for all of us was inspiring. All the boat rides and night swims at the lake. I can’t say goodbye yet. I would do anything to have just one more conversation with you. I fell in love with Ignatius hockey by going to literally every game I physically could be at, including the 9:30pm Wednesday night game in the middle of nowhere. I’m gonna miss visiting you at Alabama. The tours of the frat houses and random spots on campus you have the most funny but weird stories for. You always tried to put a smile on everyone’s face. I loved when we would talk about the red wings and other sports teams. I smiled everytime I got the notification that you’re calling or texting me. When I visited you for the first time at bama and I ran into your arms Is a memory I will cherish forever, thank you for that. Thank you for everything. I just can’t believe that’s all over. I will do my best to pass on your legacy. What a ride dude. I can’t wait to see you again in eternal parade. I love you and fly high, Jimmy.

3.17.2026”

Jimmy was the oldest of five siblings.