(WGN) – Police in Spain have confirmed to Nexstar’s WGN that the body found by divers on Thursday is that of missing U.S. college student James “Jimmy” Gracey.
Gracey, 20, a University of Alabama student from the Chicago area, was last seen around 3 a.m. Tuesday leaving the nightclub Shôko. According to The Associated Press and local outlet El Periódico, the body was located on Thursday in the water at Somorrostro beach by police divers.
Police officers rescue the body of a person found in the waters off the Port of Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, March 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Alfonso Beato)
El Periódico reports that local police launched a sea search for Gracey on Thursday, deploying Aquatic and Underwater Units, as well as the Drone Unit. Sources told the outlet that a witness had alerted police that on the night of his disappearance, they saw Gracey walking toward the water.
The University of Alabama has released the following statement in regards to the missing student:
“We are keeping Jimmy and his family at the forefront of our thoughts, and our staff are in direct communication with the family to offer every support and assistance possible. Anyone with information that may help is encouraged to contact local authorities. The safety and well-being of all our students, here and abroad, are always the University’s top priority.”
ADDS ID: This undated photo shows James “Jimmy” Gracey, left, with his aunt Beth Marren O’Reilly. (Gracey Family via AP)
Gracey’s parents have been pleading with the public to help find their son, whose disappearance has gained both national and international attention. His family members have traveled to Spain to help with the search.
