The body of James “Jimmy” Gracey, a 20-year-old University of Alabama student, was found in the Mediterranean Sea near Barcelona, Spain, following his disappearance during spring break, according to a preliminary autopsy report filed by local police.
Authorities reported that Gracey likely died from accidental drowning. The autopsy found multiple injuries consistent with repeated impacts against breakwater rocks, possibly caused by ocean swells. Police surveillance footage reportedly shows Gracey walking alone onto a dock near a nightclub before falling into the water.
Investigation Findings and Evidence
Gracey was last seen at the Shoko nightclub in Barcelona’s Port Olímpic district. After his disappearance on March 17, his wallet—intact with money, credit cards, and documents—was found floating in the water days later. The discovery of these items reduced suspicion of foul play, as did the absence of other injuries prior to drowning, according to police.
Investigators also recovered Gracey’s phone from an individual known to local authorities, but the person was charged only with illegal possession of the device and had no contact with Gracey. The police maintain their primary investigation focus is accidental death, with final autopsy results pending.
Context and Ongoing Investigations
Mossos d’Esquadra, the Catalan police force, continue to examine the case, with no current evidence suggesting criminal involvement. A separate incident involved a Hungarian tourist reporting a robbery of a gold necklace in the same area the night before Gracey went missing, though authorities have not connected this event to Gracey’s case.
Spanish media await confirmation of certain details, such as whether Gracey was found wearing his personal jewelry. Police expect to release the conclusive autopsy report within days.
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