Foul play was likely not a factor in University of Alabama student James Gracey’s shocking death in Barcelona, Spanish authorities said the day after recovering his body.
“Everything points to it being an accidental death,” Mossos d’Esquadra police, who cover the area where Gracey’s body was found Thursday, told The Post.
Maritime police discovered the 20-year-old Elmhurst, Illinois, native’s “lifeless body” in 13-foot-deep water off Port Olímpic, near where Gracey was last seen leaving Shôko nightclub around 3 a.m. Tuesday.
University of Alabama student James Gracey’s “lifeless body” was found in 13-foot-deep water off Port Olímpic.Family Handout
The heartbreaking identification came just hours after the remains were recovered at about 6 p.m. local time on Thursday.
“The relevant arrangements have been made with the victim’s relatives, who are in Barcelona,” the police department wrote in a statement Friday.
Explore More
Barcelona police found missing Alabama student James Gracey’s phone when they arrested someone, family reveals
Missing University of Alabama student James Gracey’s frat brother recalls last moments before disappearance in Barcelona
Foul play eyed in disappearance of Alabama student James Gracey from Spanish club after suspicious video emerges: report
Gracey’s father had traveled to Spain to assist in the desperate search for his son, which kicked off after the college junior got separated from his friends inside the nightclub and later failed to return to their Airbnb about two miles away in Ronda de Sant Pere.
He was last seen alive by a person who reportedly saw him walking toward the rocky coastline, close to the beachfront club.
Foul play was likely not a factor in University of Alabama student James Gracey’s shocking death in Barcelona, Spanish authorities said the day after recovering his body. AP
“From there, he may have fallen into the sea and drowned,” the witness said, according to the Daily Mail.
Authorities – who once suspected foul play was involved – found his wallet floating in the waters off Somorrostro beach, which starts a few hundred feet from the nightclub, on Wednesday.
On Thursday, a Port Olímpic worker waved down officers before the body was found, Fox News reported.
Police officers carry the body of a person found in the waters off the Port of Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, March 19, 2026.AP
Gracey was last seen alive by a person who reportedly saw him walking toward the rocky coastline, close to the beachfront club. Therese Gracey
Divers jumped into the water with a stretcher before returning with a body bag, which appeared to be full.
A blue screen was erected to shield the body from public view.
Start your day with all you need to know
Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.
By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
An autopsy will be carried out on his body, Spanish outlet La Vanguardia reported, although the final results may take several weeks to be released.
Gracey’s family said they have been left heartbroken by his death — and tributes from his fraternity poured in.
Authorities – who once suspected foul play was involved – found his wallet floating in the waters off Somorrostro beach, which starts a few hundred feet from the nightclub, on Wednesday. REUTERS
“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,” his devastated family wrote in a statement.
Here is the latest on missing University of Alabama student James Gracey
Cops make ruling on University of Alabama student’s shocking Barcelona death
Body recovered in search for University of Alabama student James Gracey missing in Barcelona: reports
University of Alabama student James Gracey reported missing after night out in Spain during spring break trip
Foul play eyed in disappearance of Alabama student James Gracey from Spanish club after suspicious video emerges: report
Gracey – who went by Jimmy, and had traveled to the Spanish city to visit friends who were studying abroad – was the chaplain of the Alpha Phi Chapter of the Theta Chi Fraternity.
He was “a young man of deep faith” with a “genuine care for others,” its CEO Mike Mayer said, WBMA-LD reported.
Gracey – who went by Jimmy, and had traveled to the Spanish city to visit friends who were studying abroad – was the chaplain of the Alpha Phi Chapter of the Theta Chi Fraternity. Gracey Family
“There are no words to describe the pain of losing our beloved brother, Jimmy,” Theta Chi Alpha Phi Chapter president Cavin McLay said.
What do you think? Post a comment.
“He was always asking how your day was going and thinking about the people around him.
“His smile and attitude were infectious and such a light in our chapter. I can say without hesitation that I am a better person for having known him,” McLay said.
Gracey was a “role model” and “warrior of Christ,” he added.
News
DISTURBING: “TOGETHER.” — THE WORD THAT WON’T LET PEOPLE SLEEP. When Janette MacAusland spoke after her arrest, one idea stood out— “Together.”
“I wanted the three of us to go to God together.” These weren’t the words of a grieving mother—they were the first words out of Janette MacAusland’s mouth after she was caught. But as the true crime community digs deeper, a terrifying question emerges: Was this a sudden “spiritual break,” or was Janette part of […]
UNSETTLING: THE WORDS THAT DON’T MATCH THE TIMELINE. “I wanted the three of us to go to God together.”
“I wanted the three of us to go to God together.” These weren’t the words of a grieving mother—they were the first words out of Janette MacAusland’s mouth after she was caught. But as the true crime community digs deeper, a terrifying question emerges: Was this a sudden “spiritual break,” or was Janette part of […]
CONTROVERSY: “WE WERE SUPPOSED TO GO TO GOD TOGETHER.” — THE STATEMENT THAT SHOCKED WELLESLEY. Those were the first words attributed to Janette MacAusland after she was taken into custody…
“I wanted the three of us to go to God together.” These weren’t the words of a grieving mother—they were the first words out of Janette MacAusland’s mouth after she was caught. But as the true crime community digs deeper, a terrifying question emerges: Was this a sudden “spiritual break,” or was Janette part of […]
THREAD UNLOCKED: THE “CLANCY CONNECTION” PEOPLE CAN’T STOP TALKING ABOUT. Something strange is happening in Massachusetts.
True crime fans are losing their minds over the “glitch in the matrix” between Janette MacAusland and the infamous Lindsay Clancy case. Two high-society mothers. Two wealthy Massachusetts suburbs. The same horrific method. The same “failed” suicide attempt. Is there a “blueprint” for this tragedy being shared in hidden online mom groups, or are we […]
PATTERN ALERT: TWO CASES… TOO MANY MATCHES TO IGNORE. True crime communities are sounding the alarm.
True crime fans are losing their minds over the “glitch in the matrix” between Janette MacAusland and the infamous Lindsay Clancy case. Two high-society mothers. Two wealthy Massachusetts suburbs. The same horrific method. The same “failed” suicide attempt. Is there a “blueprint” for this tragedy being shared in hidden online mom groups, or are we […]
UNSETTLING: WHEN TWO STORIES START LOOKING THE SAME… PEOPLE GET SCARED. They were both seen as devoted mothers.
True crime fans are losing their minds over the “glitch in the matrix” between Janette MacAusland and the infamous Lindsay Clancy case. Two high-society mothers. Two wealthy Massachusetts suburbs. The same horrific method. The same “failed” suicide attempt. Is there a “blueprint” for this tragedy being shared in hidden online mom groups, or are we […]
End of content
No more pages to load
