Family Seeks Help Finding University of Alabama Student Missing in Barcelona

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBMA) — The family of a University of Alabama student is asking for the public’s help after he went missing while traveling abroad in Spain.

James “Jimmy” Gracey, 20, a junior at the University of Alabama, was last seen early Tuesday morning outside a nightclub in Barcelona while visiting friends for spring break.

According to a press release from the family, Gracey was last seen around 3 a.m. outside Shoko nightclub in the Villa Olímpica area along Barceloneta Beach.

He was wearing a white shirt, dark pants and a chain with a gold rhinestone cross. Gracey is described as approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall and 175 pounds.

Gracey, who is from Elmhurst, Illinois, had traveled to Barcelona to visit friends studying abroad.

Family Pleads for Help

In a post on Facebook, Gracey’s mother said his phone has been recovered, but his whereabouts remain unknown.

“My college-aged son is visiting friends who are studying abroad. They went to Shoko last night. The police have his phone, but he never made it back to his Airbnb. If anyone has seen this guy, please call me or message me. Please share. +1-773-484-0160,” Therese Marren Gracey wrote.

She later added additional details about what he was wearing and when he was last seen.

“He was wearing a white t-shirt and dark pants (probably joggers). He wears a gold chain with a rhinestone cross on it. He was last seen by a friend at around d 3 am. The Airbnb is at Ronda de Sant Pere.”

The family is asking anyone with information to contact them at 224-505-3886.

University Responds

The University of Alabama confirmed Gracey is a student and said it is assisting the family.

James Paul Gracey is a UA student on a personal trip. UA staff are in touch with the family and those associated with them to offer support and assistance in any way possible.

What Remains Unknown

As of now, several key questions remain unanswered:

• What happened after Gracey was last seen outside the nightclub?
• How his phone was recovered by police
• Whether surveillance footage has been reviewed
• Whether Spanish authorities are treating the case as missing person or possible crime

ABC 33/40 has reached out to the Mossos d’Esquadra, the regional police agency in Barcelona, as well as the U.S. State Department for additional information on the case.

We have not yet received a response.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.