BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — James “Jimmy” Gracey, a university pupil from Illinois who was discovered useless after going lacking whereas in Barcelona on a break, was possible the sufferer of an accident, Spanish regional police mentioned Friday.
Gracey’s physique was discovered Thursday afternoon within the waters off a seashore, close to the place he was final seen exterior a Barcelona nightclub along with his pals within the early hours of Tuesday.
A spokesperson for Catalonia’s regional police in Barcelona informed The Associated Press that “all signs point” to the University of Alabama pupil’s loss of life being unintentional, and that an post-mortem would happen.
Gracey, 20, was final seen exterior the Shoko nightclub round 3 a.m. on Tuesday. He by no means returned to the room he was renting with pals, based on relations who reside within the suburb of Elmhurst, about 19 miles (31 kilometers) west of Chicago. Police later recovered his cellphone.
In an announcement, the Gracey household requested for prayers and privateness.
“Our family is heartbroken as we confirm that Jimmy’s body has been recovered in Barcelona. 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,” the assertion mentioned.
Barcelona is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot that attracts hundreds of thousands of overseas guests every year. It is usually protected, particularly in contrast with main U.S. cities, the place vacationers’ largest fear are usually pickpockets.
The metropolis’s Mediterranean seashores, that are positioned inside strolling distance of the bustling metropolis heart, are a principal draw particularly for younger guests. The space the place Gracey went out is a stretch of seashore with a number of eating places and nightclubs which are frequented by locals and vacationers.
In an interview performed earlier than police affirmation of his loss of life, Gracey’s aunt informed the AP that he was “just a great kid, a good Catholic boy from the Midwest.”
The University of Alabama mentioned in an announcement that the college group “is heartbroken to learn of the death of Jimmy Gracey.”
“Jimmy’s loss is deeply felt across our campus. Our condolences are with the Gracey family during this devastating time,” it mentioned.
Naishadham reported from Madrid and O’Connor reported from Springfield, Illinois.
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