Remains of Jimmy Gracey recovered, University of Alabama student missing in Barcelona

A 20-year-old University of Alabama student from the Chicago area, James “Jimmy” Gracey, has disappeared during a spring break trip to visit friends studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain, his family said.

Jimmy Gracey’s family ‘struggling to come to terms with unimaginable loss’

Jimmy Gracey's family 'struggling to come to terms with unimaginable loss' A photo of Jimmy Gracey, a University of Alabama student, who was reported missing on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Gracey Family)

The family of Jimmy Gracey sent Fox News a statement following the 20-year-old’s confirmed death in Spain:

“Our family is heartbroken as we confirm that Jimmy’s body has been recovered in Barcelona,” the Gracey family said. “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 family shared their gratitude for both community support and support from authorities in their statement.

“We are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from people around the world – so many helped to share Jimmy’s story and bring his life to light so that others may know him,” the family said. “We also sincerely appreciate the continued support and coordination of the local authorities and the U.S. Consulate as we work to better understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.”

In closing, the Gracey family requested privacy as they “process his loss.”

“As we navigate this painful time, we kindly ask for privacy so that we may grieve together and begin to process his loss as a family,” the family concluded.

Posted by Jasmine Baehr

University of Alabama fraternity brother found dead in Spain remembered as ‘warrior of Christ’

University of Alabama fraternity brother found dead in Spain remembered as 'warrior of Christ' Jimmy Gracey, a University of Alabama student who was found dead in Barcelona, and other unnamed individuals in an undated photo. (Theta Chi University of Alabama)

Fraternity brothers are mourning James “Jimmy” Gracey, a 20-year-old University of Alabama student remembered for his servant leadership and “profound faith,” which chapter leaders said inspired others to walk with Christ.

Gracey disappeared early Tuesday during a spring break trip in Spain. His body was recovered in Barcelona Thursday after a desperate, days-long search by his fraternity brothers and local authorities.

University of Alabama Theta Chi Alpha Phi Chapter president Cavin McLay released an emotional statement Thursday night saying “there are no words to describe the pain of losing our beloved brother, Jimmy.”

“He was a man of profound faith who walked with Christ in all facets of his life, and he inspired every one of us to do the same,” McLay said. “As our Chapter Chaplain, Jimmy closed every chapter meeting in prayer, bringing us together in a way that reflected exactly who he was and how deeply he was loved and respected.”

McLay added Gracey “always went out of his way for anyone who needed him, whether that was guidance in their faith, a shoulder to lean on, or simply to share a smile and laugh with.”

“He was always asking how your day was going and thinking about the people around him,” McLay said. “His smile and attitude were infectious and such a light in our chapter. I can say without hesitation that I am a better person for having known him.”

The fraternity president described Gracey as a “role model, warrior of Christ, and the kind of man every one of us should aspire to be,” saying the Alabama brothers were blessed to have him in their lives.

“His faith inspires us to live a life sharing the love of the Lord, and his impact on this chapter and every individual within it is too great to articulate,” McLay said. “To say Jimmy will be deeply missed is an understatement. … We find comfort in the wisdom of John 16:22: ‘Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again, and you will rejoice.’”

Michael J. Mayer, chief executive officer of the Theta Chi Fraternity, emphasized that Gracey, who also served as a Philanthropy Chairman, embodied exactly what the organization aspires to build: a “Resolute Man.”

Mayer also praised the fraternity brothers who spent days searching the streets of Spain for Gracey, acknowledging that the harrowing ordeal has been “profoundly traumatic” for the young men involved.

“We are heartbroken for Jimmy’s family and ask all who loved him to join us in praying for them — not just in the days ahead, but long after the headlines have faded,” Mayer said.

Theta Chi plans to announce ways to honor Gracey’s life and legacy in the coming days.

Posted by Alexandra Koch

Illinois politicians react after student found dead in Barcelona: ‘Every parent’s worst nightmare’

Illinois politicians react after student found dead in Barcelona: 'Every parent’s worst nightmare' A photo of Jimmy Gracey, a University of Alabama student who was found dead Thursday in Barcelona, Spain. (Gracey Family)

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said he and his wife, Loretta, are offering their deepest condolences to the family of 20-year-old University of Alabama student James “Jimmy” Gracey, who was found dead Thursday in Barcelona, Spain.

Gracey, who was from Elmhurst, Illinois, disappeared early Tuesday during a night out with friends. His body was recovered at Port Olimpic.

“Loretta and I offer our deepest condolences to the family of Jimmy Gracey, who tragically lost his life earlier this week,” Durbin wrote in a social media post. “May his memory always be a blessing.”

Don Tracy, a Republican running for U.S. Senate in Illinois, added “this is every parent’s worst nightmare.”

“My most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Jimmy Gracey,” Tracy wrote in an X post. “This is every parent’s worst nightmare. Wanda and I are praying for your comfort and healing. We know Jimmy was welcomed home and is at peace.”

Posted by Alexandra Koch

Sen Katie Britt ‘devastated’ after Alabama student Jimmy Gracey found dead in Spain

Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., said she was “devastated” following the news of 20-year-old University of Alabama student Jimmy Gracey’s death while traveling with friends in Barcelona, Spain.

Police confirmed Thursday that Gracey’s body was recovered at Port Olimpic following his March 17 disappearance.

“Wesley and I are devastated to hear this news,” Britt wrote in a social media post. “Please join us in praying for Jimmy’s loved ones, classmates, and the entire University of Alabama community.”

Gracey vanished at about 3 a.m. on March 17 after visiting the waterfront Shoko restaurant and nightclub in Barcelona.

While it is unclear what led to his disappearance, a family spokesperson said police found his phone during the arrest of another individual.

Posted by Alexandra Koch

Alabama frat community issues emotional statement after student Jimmy Gracey found dead in Spain

Alabama frat community issues emotional statement after student Jimmy Gracey found dead in Spain The Alabama Interfraternity Council released a statement mourning Theta Chi Fraternity member Jimmy Gracey. (@alabamaifc via Instagram)

The Alabama Interfraternity Council released a statement mourning University of Alabama student and Theta Chi Fraternity member Jimmy Gracey after his body was recovered Thursday in Barcelona, Spain.

The council, which serves as the governing body of the university’s fraternities, said Gracey’s memory will “remain a lasting part of our community.”

“As a fraternity community, the bonds we share extend far beyond our individual chapters, and in moments like this, we stand together in support of one another,” the council wrote in a social media post. “We extend our deepest condolences to Jimmy’s family, his brothers in Theta Chi, and all who knew and loved him. His memory will remain a lasting part of our community.”

Leaders also encouraged fraternity members to “check in on one another” and utilize available support resources.

“Please continue to keep Jimmy’s loved ones in your thoughts and respect their privacy during this difficult time,” the council wrote.

Theta Chi has not commented publicly since the confirmation of Gracey’s death.

Posted by Alexandra Koch

University of Alabama says community is ‘heartbroken’ over death of student Jimmy Gracey

University of Alabama says community is 'heartbroken' over death of student Jimmy Gracey A photo of Jimmy Gracey, a University of Alabama student, who was reported missing on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Gracey Family)

The University of Alabama said its campus is shaken following the discovery of missing student Jimmy Gracey’s body in Barcelona, Spain.

“The University of Alabama community is heartbroken to learn of the death of Jimmy Gracey,” a spokesperson wrote in a statement to Fox News. “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.”

School officials said they have 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.