BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — The physique of James “Jimmy” Gracey, a university scholar from Illinois who went lacking whereas in Spain on spring break, was discovered Thursday within the water off a Barcelona seaside, police stated.
Gracey’s physique was discovered by police divers and positively recognized, the press workplace for Catalonia’s regional police in Barcelona instructed The Related Press.
The College of Alabama scholar’s physique was discovered close to the place he was final seen exterior a nightclub along with his mates early Tuesday. He was visiting mates in Barcelona for spring break.
Catalan police say that their investigation continues into the reason for loss of life.
Gracey, 20, was final seen exterior the Shoko nightclub in Barcelona however separated from mates round 3 a.m. on Tuesday.
Gracey by no means returned to the room he was renting with mates, in keeping with members of the family who stay within the suburb of Elmhurst, about 19 miles (31 kilometers) west of Chicago. They realized one thing was unsuitable when police contacted them, saying that they had recovered his cellphone.
In a press release launched late Thursday, the Gracey household requested for prayers and privateness.
“Our household is heartbroken as we affirm that Jimmy’s physique has been recovered in Barcelona. Jimmy was a deeply cherished son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and pal, and our household is struggling to return to phrases with this unimaginable loss,” the assertion stated.
“We’re profoundly grateful for the outpouring of affection, assist, and prayers from folks around the globe. … As we navigate this painful time, we kindly ask for privateness in order that we could grieve collectively and start to course of this loss as a household.”
In an interview carried out earlier than police affirmation of his loss of life, Gracey’s aunt instructed The Related Press that he was “only a nice child, a very good Catholic boy from the Midwest.”
“Superb scholar, honors program at College of Alabama, chaplain in his fraternity, you already know, simply a tremendous older brother and position mannequin to his cousins,” Beth Marren O’Reilly stated.
O’Reilly stated her nephew left Alabama on Thursday and spent the weekend in Amsterdam earlier than arriving Monday in Barcelona. Gracey’s household didn’t instantly know the way police got here into possession of his cellphone. Gracey’s father, Taras, is in Barcelona and has been working with police, O’Reilly stated.
Barcelona is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot that brings in thousands and thousands of overseas guests annually. It’s typically secure, particularly in contrast with main U.S. cities, the place vacationers’ greatest fear are usually pickpockets.
Barcelona’s seashores, positioned in strolling distance of its heart, are a primary draw particularly for younger guests. The world the place Gracey went out is a stretch of seaside with a number of eating places and nightclubs which are frequented by locals and foreigners.
The College of Alabama stated in a press release that the college group “is heartbroken to be taught of the loss of life of Jimmy Gracey. Jimmy’s loss is deeply felt throughout our campus. Our condolences are with the Gracey household throughout this devastating time.”
Gracey was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity on the faculty, and the worldwide group stated that along with serving as chaplain for the college’s chapter, he was a philanthropy chairperson.
O’Connor reported from Springfield, Illinois, and Raza reported from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Related Press videojournalist Laura Bargfeld in Chicago and author Suman Naishadham in Madrid contributed.