A 20-year-old American college student who went missing while studying abroad in Spain has been found dead in Barcelona, authorities confirmed. The student, identified as James Gracey, disappeared in the early hours of March 17 after a night out with friends.
Gracey was last seen at Shoko, a well-known beachside nightclub in Barcelona. According to details shared by his family, he had been out with a friend but chose to remain at the venue when the friend left around 3 a.m.
His mother described the final known moments before his disappearance in a social media post that was later removed. She said her son stayed behind at the club while his friend departed, raising concerns when he failed to return.
Local reports citing police sources indicated that CCTV footage captured Gracey leaving the nightclub with another individual. Investigators have not publicly identified that person or clarified their involvement.
Concern grew when Gracey could not be located, prompting authorities to begin a search. During the initial stages of the investigation, police recovered his wallet in the water near Somorrostro Beach, which is located close to the nightclub.
The discovery of the wallet led officers to focus their search efforts along the beachfront. Detectives cordoned off sections of Somorrostro Beach as they continued looking for the missing student.
Two days after he was last seen, on March 19, authorities confirmed that Gracey’s body had been found in the water at the same beach. Officials have not yet released detailed information about the cause of death.
The circumstances surrounding how Gracey ended up in the water remain unclear, and an investigation is ongoing. Police have not indicated whether foul play is suspected.
Gracey’s family expressed deep grief following the confirmation of his death. In a statement, they said they were overwhelmed by the global support they had received during the search.
They also extended their gratitude to local law enforcement and the U.S. Embassy for their assistance throughout the effort to locate him.
Family members described Gracey as a loved and valued individual, emphasizing the impact of his loss on those who knew him.
Authorities continue to investigate the case as they work to determine the events leading up to the student’s death.
English (United States) ·