Police release a chilling new update on a University of Alabama student who disappeared during spring break in Spain

A 20-year-old college student has disappeared during a spring break trip in Spain, and a concerning new detail has investigators exploring the possibility that something more serious may have happened.

James “Jimmy” Gracey, a student at the University of Alabama, was last seen in the early morning hours of March 17 in Barcelona after spending the night out with friends.

Last seen at nightclub
According to his family, Jimmy was last spotted around 3:00 a.m. at the well-known Shoko nightclub in the Port Olímpic area. He had gone out with a group of friends but became separated from them later that night.

“Unfortunately, he got separated from the rest of the group as the night went on, and that was the last time anyone heard from him,” said Cavin McLay, a fraternity brother, in an interview with WBMA.

A journalist in Spain reported that Jimmy had chosen to stay at the club after one of his friends left.

“He was with a friend who left earlier, but Jimmy decided to remain at the club, and he never returned,” said reporter Gisela Macedo. New information now suggests he may not have been alone when he left.

According to Macedo, surveillance footage reviewed by authorities shows Jimmy outside the club around 3 a.m., possibly accompanied by another individual, raising concerns that something more serious could have occurred.

As reported by El País, Jimmy’s mother was the first to raise the alarm in a Facebook post after her son failed to return to his Airbnb on Ronda de Sant Pere in Barcelona on Tuesday night.

“He was wearing a white T-shirt and dark pants, likely joggers,” she wrote. “He also had on a gold chain with a rhinestone cross.”

Search intensifies
Spanish authorities, including the Mossos d’Esquadra, are actively working to reconstruct Jimmy’s final movements. Investigators are analyzing CCTV footage and retracing his steps after he left the nightclub.

“They are trying to determine exactly what Jimmy did after leaving and piece together a clear timeline,” Macedo explained.

Authorities have also reported that Gracey’s wallet was found floating in the water.

Jimmy’s father, Taras Gracey, has traveled to Spain and is now in Barcelona, working closely with local police, according to Fox News.

Search efforts have expanded to the surrounding Vila Olímpica area, with helicopters and maritime teams scanning nearby waters in case he may have fallen into the sea.

So far, no suspects or persons of interest have been identified.

Confusion over phone
One detail that remains unclear is the status of Jimmy’s phone.

Friends say they were told by police that it had been recovered.

“We went to the station, and they told us they had his phone,” McLay said.

However, authorities have not publicly confirmed this.

“Police have not confirmed whether they are in possession of his mobile phone,” Macedo added.

Family pleads for help
Back home, Jimmy’s family says his disappearance is entirely out of character.

“He’s the greatest gift to our family. We all love him so much,” said his aunt, Beth O’Reilly. “He’s very responsible. It’s not like him to stop responding to messages.”

In a statement, the family said:

“Our family is deeply concerned about James ‘Jimmy’ Gracey, who has been missing in Barcelona since the early hours of March 17.”

They described him as “a kind, responsible, and devoted son and brother,” adding that it is “completely unlike him not to check in.”

The family is asking anyone with information to come forward.

“We are asking anyone who may have seen Jimmy or has any information, no matter how small, to please contact 224.505.3886.”

Friends and officials step in
Friends and classmates have also taken action, distributing flyers across Barcelona and raising awareness online.

Cavin McLay, president of Alabama’s Theta Chi fraternity and one of Jimmy’s friends who traveled to Spain, spoke about his character.

He explained that Jimmy serves as the chapter’s chaplain and philanthropy chairman and is known for mentoring younger members and supporting others.

“We’re staying hopeful and doing everything we can to find him safe,” he said.

His uncle, a senior producer based in Washington, D.C., told CNN that the 20-year-old, who plays hockey, had been planning to return to the United States on Saturday. He added that Jimmy is usually in regular contact with his family and plays an active role in helping care for his siblings.

Support has also reached the federal level, with U.S. officials, including the State Department, working alongside Spanish authorities.

The University of Alabama confirmed it is also assisting.

“James Paul Gracey is a UA student traveling on a personal trip. University staff are in contact with his family and those close to him to offer support and assistance in any way possible.”

Holding onto hope
As the search continues, those closest to Jimmy say they are not giving up.

“He’s always the one who shows up when someone needs help. We’re heartbroken, but we’re holding onto hope that he’ll be found safe,” McLay said.

For now, the questions remain unanswered. What happened after Jimmy left that nightclub in Barcelona?

And most importantly, where is he now?