Mossos d'Esquadra authorities in Barcelona recovered the body of 20-year-old University of Alabama student James Gracey from the waters near Somorrostro Beach on Thursday, four days after he vanished while out with friends at a beachfront restaurant and nightclub in the Port Olímpic area.
Background
James Gracey, of Elmhurst, Illinois, was visiting Barcelona during spring break to see friends who are studying abroad in Spain. On the evening of March 17, Gracey went to the Shôko beachfront restaurant and nightclub in Barcelona's Port Olímpic area with a group of friends.
According to witnesses, Gracey separated from his group at some point during the night. Friends reported him missing when he failed to return to their accommodations. Spanish authorities launched an immediate search operation involving aquatic teams and drones.
On Thursday, police found Gracey's wallet floating in the water near Somorrostro Beach. The discovery prompted divers to expand their search, ultimately locating Gracey's body in the waters of Barcelona's Port Olímpic, approximately four meters below the surface.
The Investigation
Catalan police obtained security footage showing Gracey walking alone through the Port Olímpic area, headed toward a dock before falling into the water. The video, reviewed by investigators, provides the most concrete evidence of what happened to the young American student.
Mossos d'Esquadra spokesperson told Fox News Digital that an autopsy performed on Friday showed no signs of foul play. 'Everything points to an accidental death, although we are not disclosing details regarding how the events unfolded,' the spokesperson said.
Authorities also confirmed that they arrested an individual who was in possession of Gracey's phone, though no additional details about the arrest have been released. The investigation into how Gracey came to be in possession of this individual remains ongoing.
Key Takeaways
- James Gracey was a 20-year-old University of Alabama student from Elmhurst, Illinois
- He vanished March 17 after going to the Shôko beachfront restaurant and nightclub in Barcelona's Port Olímpic
- Security footage shows Gracey walking alone toward a dock area before falling into the water
- His body was found four meters underwater near Somorrostro Beach on Thursday
- Autopsy showed no signs of foul play; authorities classify the death as accidental drowning
- Police recovered Gracey's wallet floating near Somorrostro Beach earlier that day
- One person was arrested in connection to possessing Gracey's phone
- Gracey was on spring break visiting friends who study abroad; his flight home was scheduled for Saturday
What's Next
Spanish authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Gracey's death, though no foul play is suspected. The individual arrested in connection with Gracey's phone remains in custody as investigators work to determine how the young student's electronic device came into another person's possession. The family has confirmed that Gracey's body will be returned to Illinois for burial.