BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — James “Jimmy” Gracey, a school scholar from Illinois who was discovered lifeless after going lacking whereas in Barcelona on a break, was doubtless the sufferer of an accident, Spanish regional police stated Friday.
Gracey’s physique was discovered Thursday afternoon within the waters off a seashore, close to the place he was final seen exterior a Barcelona nightclub together with his pals within the early hours of Tuesday.
A spokesperson for Catalonia’s regional police in Barcelona instructed The Related Press that “all indicators level” to the College of Alabama scholar’s demise being unintentional, and that an post-mortem would happen.
Gracey, 20, was final seen exterior the Shoko nightclub round 3 a.m. on Tuesday. He by no means returned to the room he was renting with pals, based on members of the family who stay within the suburb of Elmhurst, about 19 miles (31 kilometers) west of Chicago. Police later recovered his telephone.
In an announcement, the Gracey household requested for prayers and privateness.
“Our household is heartbroken as we verify that Jimmy’s physique has been recovered in Barcelona. Jimmy was a deeply beloved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and good friend, and our household is struggling to return to phrases with this unimaginable loss,” the assertion stated.
Barcelona is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot that attracts tens of millions of international guests annually. It’s typically secure, particularly in contrast with main U.S. cities, the place vacationers’ largest fear are usually pickpockets.
The town’s Mediterranean seashores, that are positioned inside strolling distance of the bustling metropolis middle, are a primary draw particularly for younger guests. The world the place Gracey went out is a stretch of seashore with a number of eating places and nightclubs which might be frequented by locals and vacationers.
In an interview performed earlier than police affirmation of his demise, Gracey’s aunt instructed the AP that he was “only a nice child, an excellent Catholic boy from the Midwest.”
The College of Alabama stated in an announcement that the varsity group “is heartbroken to study of the demise of Jimmy Gracey.”
“Jimmy’s loss is deeply felt throughout our campus. Our condolences are with the Gracey household throughout this devastating time,” it stated.
Naishadham reported from Madrid and O’Connor reported from Springfield, Illinois.