20 year old body James GracieAlso known as Jimmy Gracey, it was found in the waters near Barcelona Beach, CNN reported. Police said foul play was not suspected and a spokesperson told CNN that “everything points to an accident and not a crime.”
Gracie, a junior at the University of Alabama, was reported missing while on a spring break trip. He was last seen outside a nightclub near the Port Olympic area around 3 a.m. after being separated from friends.
family issues statement
In a statement shared with CNN, Gracie’s family said, “We are deeply grateful for the kindness and concern shown to our family during this extremely difficult time,” adding that they will be taking a break from media interviews to focus on supporting each other.
His aunt, Beth Marren O’Reilly, also urged people to be cautious with information online, saying the family “only talks about what we know to be the facts” and warned against spreading “disinformation” online, CNN reported.
brother and sister mary and jo
Gracie is survived by his younger siblings Mary and Joe, whom Gracie was known to have helped care for, according to comments cited by CNN.
Mary Gracie shared Pay tribute on Instagram Next to a photo with her brother, she wrote: “To my dear brother I can’t even begin to believe what is happening, it really doesn’t feel close to reality…” She ended the note with: “I will always love you, you will always be my best friend and I promise to take care of these little boys until we meet again.”
Joe Gracie also Posted on InstagramWrote: “Jimmy, you were my role model and you taught me so much. I miss you so much and I know others miss you too.”
Parent Media Contact
The case attracted even more attention because of the family’s ties to CNN. Reports confirm that Gracie is the nephew of senior producer David Gracie.
Spanish authorities, including the Mossos d’Esquadra police force, are continuing to investigate the circumstances of his death. Reports indicate that his body was found in shallow water near Somorrostro beach and the area has been cordoned off during rescue efforts.
Officers are also examining evidence including his cell phone and wallet, which were found separately during the search.
While police said the death appeared to be accidental, the timeline of events remains under investigation.
