Large-scale search operation launched James “Jimmy” Gracie20-year-old University of Alabama student goes missing in Barcelona. It was revealed that he had been visiting friends studying abroad and was staying in an Airbnb near Ronda de Sant Pere, a busy central area of the city. His family said it was highly unusual for him to lose contact.
Meanwhile, Spanish outlet La Vanguardia reported that a Spanish diving team found a body off the coast near Port Olympic. While the body has yet to be identified, the publisher added that Gracie’s father has been notified. Foul play has been ruled out.
“Jimmy was a kind, responsible and devoted son and brother,” the family said in a statement. “He is not in contact with family and friends, which is completely out of character for him. We are working closely with local authorities and are deeply grateful for the support we have received.”
According to his mother, Gracie went to Shoko on the night of March 16, a popular nightclub in the Port Olympic area, about two miles from where he lived. He was last seen around 3 a.m. local time on March 17. A friend he was with had left earlier and Gracie chose to stay at the club.
According to reports, investigators reviewed surveillance video and discovered that Gracie left the venue with another person, but the identity of that person remains unknown. A witness later told police they saw him walking toward a nearby beach.
Authorities have recovered some of Gracie’s belongings. His phone is now in the possession of the police and his wallet was reportedly found in the sea.
Spanish police confirmed the timetable and ongoing search efforts.
“The disappearance was reported at 3:00 a.m. on March 17, 2026, in the Port Olympic area,” police wrote in a statement on Thursday. “Today, maritime and underwater forces have launched a search.”
Officers also interviewed friends who were with him that night and searched his Airbnb.
Gracie’s mother urged the public to help find him and shared details of his appearance at the time of his disappearance.
“Please continue to pray,” she wrote on March 17, adding that he was wearing a white T-shirt, dark pants (possibly joggers) and a gold chain with a rhinestone cross.
He is described as being about 6 feet 1 inches tall and weighing about 175 pounds.
Catalonia’s police force, the Mossos d’Esquadra, confirmed it was actively investigating the case. Authorities have expanded their efforts to include sea and underwater search forces along Barcelona’s coastline.
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