Spanish police find body of missing University of Alabama student Jimmy Gracey
Police in Barcelona confirmed Thursday that they had recovered a body identified as missing University of Alabama student James "Jimmy" Gracey, who disappeared earlier this week while on a spring break trip to visit friends.
The Catalan police force, Mossos d'Esquadra, said 20-year-old Gracey's body was found and removed from the water in front of Port Olímpic at approximately 6 p.m. local time on Thursday. His body was discovered in the water about 4 meters deep, according to police.
Mossos told ABC News previously that a search team had found Gracey's wallet floating in the sea Wednesday morning and that maritime police and aquatic forces were focusing their search around the area where the wallet was located, while a helicopter had been dispatched to search by air near Somorrostro Beach.
Police said the investigation into Gracey's disappearance and death is ongoing.
In a statement Thursday, Gracey's family said they are "heartbroken as we confirm that Jimmy's body has been recovered in Barcelona."
"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 statement said. "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 added that they "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."
Gracey's family had pleaded with the public earlier this week for any information on the Elmhurst, Illinois, native's location after he was reported missing on Tuesday.
Gracey was last seen alive early Tuesday morning near Shoko, a club in the Vila Olimpica area on Barceloneta Beach, around 3 a.m. local time.
Gracey had been on a spring break trip and was visiting with friends studying abroad when he was reported missing, according to his family.
The University of Alabama said it is "heartbroken" to learn of Gracey's death.
"Jimmy's loss is deeply felt across our campus. Our condolences are with the Gracey family during this devastating time," the university said in a statement.
The university said it 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."
