A University of Alabama student found dead in Barcelona was captured on video falling into the water, and his injuries were consistent with repeatedly hitting the rocks of the breakwater, an autopsy showed.
The body of 20-year-old James “Jimmy” Gracey was recovered Thursday in Spain, just days after he was reported missing while on spring break visiting friends who are studying abroad.
Searchers pulled Gracey’s body from a depth of roughly 16 feet, close to the breakwater that separates Port Olimpic from Somorrostro Beach.
Spanish newspaper El Periodico reported Friday that the preliminary autopsy report ruled out foul play, “suggesting instead that he accidentally fell into the sea and drowned.”
Additional testing, including toxicology, is still ongoing.
Newspaper El Pais reported that several cameras in the area captured the moment he fell into the sea.
“Officers reviewed the security camera footage from establishments located near Somorrostro Beach and interviewed several witnesses, who indicated that the young man had walked toward the breakwater alone,” El Pais reported.
“From there, he fell into the sea,” according to the newspaper. “Based on this information, the search operation—conducted by the Mossos’ Aquatic and Underwater Units, with support from the Barcelona Fire Department and the Civil Guard—focused its search for the student at this specific location.”
People investigate on March 19, 2026 in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Mossos d’Esquadra located the body of Jimmy Gracey on the beach of Somorrostro in Barcelona. (Photo By Lorena Sopena/Europa Press via Getty Images)Europa Press via Getty Images
Gracey was last seen between 3 a.m. and 3:40 a.m. March 17 at the popular tourist club. He remained at the club after the friend he was with returned to their Airbnb.
His family said it’s “completely out of character” for him not to check in with family and friends.
“Jimmy is a kind, responsible, and devoted son and brother,” the family said in a Wednesday statement.
Gracey’s family said they are heartbroken and released this statement following the discovery: “We are so grateful for the kindness and concern that has been shown for our family during this incredibly difficult time. We have made the decision to pause media interviews at this time to focus on being together and caring for one another. Thank you for respecting our privacy and holding our family in your thoughts and prayers.”
The University of Alabama urged students affected by Gracey’s death and in need of counseling to call at 205-348-5454.
“Jimmy’s loss is deeply felt across our campus. Our condolences are with the Gracey family during this devastating time,” a statement from the university read.
“The University 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.”
Gracey was a member of the Theta Chi International Fraternity, which said it will announce plans to honor his memory.
“Jimmy served his chapter as both Chaplain and as a Philanthropy Chairman,” the fraternity said in a statement. “He was exactly the kind of man Theta Chi aspires to build — a Resolute Man.”
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
