Body of Alabama student missing in Barcelona found at sea

Newspapers in Spain reported that the body of University of Alabama student James “Jimmy” Gracey was found Thursday at sea after he was reported missing in Barcelona while visiting friends.The body was found in the waters off the beaches of Barcelona near Port Olímpic by the dive team, according to La Vanguardia. The newspaper is also reporting that Gracey’s father has been notified and foul play has been ruled out. The Associated Press and CNN have confirmed the report.The U.S. State Department declined to provide details to CNN, citing “privacy concerns and other considerations.”Alison Gracey, Jimmy’s aunt, has released a statement on behalf of the family.”We are so grateful for the kindness and concern that has been shown for our family during this incredibly difficult time. We have made the decision to pause media interviews at this time to focus on being together and caring for one another. Thank you for respecting our privacy and holding our family in your thoughts and prayers. We will share updates if and when we’re able.”Listen to the frat brother of Jimmy Gracey during the search in the video player above.Latest Updates The U.S. State Department declined to provide details to CNN, citing “privacy concerns and other considerations.”The body of Jimmy Gracey was found at sea off the coast of Barcelona, according to La Vanguardia.Foul play has been ruled out, according to La Vanguardia. The search James “Jimmy” Gracey, 20, was last seen at Shôko, a beachfront nightclub, around 3 a.m. on March 17. A friend who was with him left, but he stayed and never returned to the Airbnb, according to his mother.Security footage shows that Gracey was not alone when he left the nightclub, according to El Periodico. Police have not released the identity of the person who was with him.Sources within the Catalan Police Department informed El Periodico that a search at sea was launched Thursday morning after a witness told police that a young man was seen walking toward the sea. Sources told the newspaper that Gracey’s wallet was found in the sea during the search, but police have not independently verified that. There were several agencies involved in the search for Gracey, including:Sen. Katie Britt’s officeThe U.S. EmbassyThe State DepartmentCatalan policeA spokesperson for the University of Alabama told WVTM 13 on Tuesday that school officials are in contact with his 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,” the statement said.About Jimmy Jimmy is from Elmhurst, IllinoisHe is 20 and a junior at UAHe is 6 feet, 1 inch tall and about 175 poundsAnyone with information is asked to call 224-505-3886.Below is the last photo taken of Jimmy before he went missing, according to his mother.”He’s a great person, he’s a great guy, a man of upstanding character. He’s one of those people that’s there for anyone when they ever need it,” said Theta Chi fraternity brother Cavin McLay.According to McLay, Gracey served as chaplain of Theta Chi’s executive board.”He serves as a mentor for our younger guys and guides our brothers on their journey with their faith,” said McLay. “And he also serves as one of our philanthropy chairmen and devotes his time to giving back to others.”In a statement from his family, they noted that “Jimmy is a kind, responsible, and devoted son and brother. It is completely out of character for him not to check in with family and friends.”This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available. Check back for updates.