REPORTS: Body Recovered Amid Search For Missing UA Student In Spain

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Multiple media reports out of Spain say a body has been recovered amid a search for a University of Alabama student who went missing earlier this week while traveling abroad.

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Authorities in Barcelona recovered a body from the Mediterranean Sea believed to be that of 20-year-old James “Jimmy” Gracey, a UA student who disappeared during a spring break trip.

As Patch previously reported, Gracey, who was originally from the Chicago area, was last seen in the early morning hours of March 17 after leaving a nightclub in Barcelona, where he had been out with friends.

Fox 32 in Chicago reported Thursday that authorities had not yet confirmed the identity of the body discovered.

His mother originally posted to social media that he never returned to his AirBnB, prompting a large-scale search effort involving police, divers and volunteers.

Reports indicate his wallet was later found in the water, leading authorities to focus search efforts along the coastline, where his body was ultimately discovered offshore.

The University of Alabama previously confirmed Gracey, who was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity, was on a personal trip and said staff had been in contact with his family to offer support.

UA also issued the following statement Thursday after news broke that authorities believed they had found his body:

"The University of Alabama community 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. We ask that their privacy be respected as they grieve. The University has been in close contact with the family throughout the week and will continue to provide support to them and to Jimmy’s friends, classmates, and all members of our community who are affected by this tragedy. Counseling and support resources are available to students by calling UAPD at 205-348-5454, and to other members of the UA community via the Employee Assistance Program at 888-283-3515."

Spanish authorities have not yet released an official cause of death and the investigation remains ongoing.

This is a developing story. Tuscaloosa Patch will have more information as it becomes available.