Illinois Student Missing in Barcelona After Night Out with Friends

Spanish authorities are conducting extensive searches for James "Jimmy" Gracey, a 20-year-old University of Alabama student from Illinois who vanished after leaving a Barcelona nightclub early Tuesday morning. The college student was visiting friends studying abroad when he disappeared around 3 a.m. outside a beachfront club.

Authorities in Barcelona, Spain are conducting an intensive search operation for a missing American college student who disappeared after an evening out with friends earlier this week.

James “Jimmy” Gracey, age 20 and enrolled at the University of Alabama, vanished in the early morning hours of Tuesday while visiting friends participating in study abroad programs. The student from Elmhurst, Illinois—a Chicago suburb located approximately 19 miles west of the city—was last spotted leaving the Shoko nightclub near Barceloneta Beach around 3 a.m.

The young man failed to return to his shared accommodation, prompting concern from his companions and family members back home in Illinois.

Catalan regional authorities have launched comprehensive search efforts that include aerial surveillance and underwater operations as they work to locate the missing student.

According to family social media posts, Gracey was dressed in a white shirt and dark trousers when he disappeared, and was wearing a distinctive gold rhinestone cross necklace.

“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,” Gracey’s family said in a statement shared with The Associated Press. “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.”

His companions remaining in Barcelona have begun distributing missing person flyers throughout the city, featuring Gracey’s photograph and details about when he was last seen.

The University of Alabama released a statement Thursday expressing their concern for the missing student.

“We are keeping Jimmy and his family at the forefront of our thoughts, and our staff are in direct communication with the family to offer every support and assistance possible,” the university stated. “Anyone with information that may help is encouraged to contact local authorities.”

Gracey maintains membership in the Theta Chi fraternity at his university, where he serves in dual leadership roles within the campus chapter.

Michael Mayer, CEO of the international fraternity organization, described ongoing efforts to assist in the search.

“Since learning of his disappearance, the International Fraternity has been in regular communication with federal lawmakers, the University of Alabama, and our chapter members, including those who remain in Barcelona searching tirelessly for Jimmy,” Mayer stated.