College Student Vanishes in Barcelona After Night Out—Family Searching for Answers

Jimmy Gracey, a 20 year-old student at the University of Alabama, has gone missing in Barcelona, leaving his family and friends wondering what happened.

Gracey was in Barcelona visiting friends who were studying abroad there, reports NewsNation. He and a friend went to Shôko Barcelona, a beachfront club, on the night of March 16. The friend left early while Gracey stayed at Shôko. According to local Alabama station CBS 42, security footage showed Gracey leaving the club around 3 a.m. with an unidentified individual. Authorities are suspecting foul play.

According to Gracey's mother, police also have her son's phone, though it's unclear how they obtained it.

Police have been investigating areas around the club and Gracey's Airbnb, but have yet to identify a person of interest.

Jimmy Gracey's Family Pleads for Information

Gracey's family released a statement pleading for any information leading to their son's whereabouts. "Jimmy is a 20-year-old University of Alabama student visiting friends abroad during spring break. He was last seen around 3:00 AM CET at the Shoko nightclub in the Port Olímpic area. He was wearing a white T-shirt, dark pants (likely joggers), and a gold chain with a rhinestone cross. He is approximately 6’1” and 175 pounds," the statement read.

“We are asking anyone who may have seen Jimmy or has any information—no matter how small—to please contact 224.505.3886.  Jimmy is a kind, responsible, and devoted son and brother. It is completely out of character for him not to check in with family and friends."

They added, “We are working closely with local authorities and are incredibly grateful for the support we have received. We ask that you keep Jimmy in your thoughts as we continue to do everything we can to bring him home safely.”

The president of Gracey's fraternity, Cavin McLay, also happens to be in Barcelona. He told NewsNation, "Jimmy is a beloved brother and a man of upstanding character. He serves as a mentor to younger classes in our chapter and guides our brothers on their journey with their Faith as our Chaplain. He also serves as one of our Philanthropy Chairman and devotes his time to giving back to others. He’s the guy that goes out of his way to be there when someone needs it."