Missing American Student's Wallet Discovered in Barcelona Waters
The disappearance of a young American student during a spring break trip to Spain has taken a troubling turn after police found his wallet floating in the Mediterranean Sea. James 'Jimmy' Gracey, a 20-year-old junior at the University of Alabama, was visiting friends studying abroad in Barcelona when he vanished in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Last Seen at Popular Beachfront Nightclub
According to his mother Therese Gracey, Jimmy was last seen around 3am local time at Shôko, a bustling beachfront nightclub in Barcelona's La Barceloneta seaside neighborhood. The club, ranked seventh best in the world by Nightlife International, is known for its stunning Mediterranean views and popularity among both locals and tourists.
"The police have his phone but he never made it back to his Airbnb," Therese wrote in an urgent Facebook plea for help in finding her son. She described Gracey as wearing a white t-shirt, dark pants likely joggers, and a gold chain with a rhinestone cross when he disappeared.
Wallet Discovery and Search Operations
Catalan police, known as Mossos d'Esquadra, discovered Gracey's wallet floating in the water off Somorrostro beach, not far from where he was last seen. Police boats and divers were deployed to search the area extensively, but authorities confirmed no further clues were found that could lead them to the missing student.
The investigation began after a call was received early Wednesday morning reporting a possible disappearance that occurred on March 17, 2026, at 3:00 AM in the Port Olímpic area. On Thursday morning, the Catalan police force activated its marine and underwater units around the Vila Olímpica area to continue the search.
Separated from Friends and Phone Complications
Gracey's Theta Chi fraternity brother Cavin McLay reported that Jimmy wanted to stay longer at Shôko and became separated from their group. He was never seen again after this separation.
Complicating matters, Gracey's phone was reportedly found with someone police had arrested. "What we've put together is that his phone was stolen and the police just happened to pick the guy who stole it up," Therese explained. She added that law enforcement discovered the phone when they searched this individual, but police have not shared specific details with the family.
Family Response and Investigation Details
Gracey's father, Taras, has already traveled to Spain to assist with the search, and Therese is expected to join him soon. The University of Alabama confirmed through a spokesperson that Gracey was on a personal trip and that university staff are in touch with the family to offer support and assistance.
Shôko nightclub has preserved surveillance footage from Monday night into Tuesday morning covering the period when Gracey apparently vanished. Club management told law enforcement they would provide the footage and any other relevant details needed for the investigation, though they stated they have no additional information about Gracey's whereabouts.
Background and Physical Description
James Gracey, who stands about 6-foot-1 and weighs approximately 175 pounds, is from the Elmhurst suburb of Chicago, Illinois. He attends the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa where he is part of the Theta Chi fraternity, having been elected onto the brotherhood's executive board as a chaplain in November.
Family members revealed that Gracey had been in Amsterdam over the weekend and arrived in Barcelona on Monday morning. He was staying at an Airbnb on Ronda de Sant Pere, one of Barcelona's main roads, approximately three kilometers from Shôko nightclub.
The Mossos d'Esquadra continue their investigation into Gracey's disappearance, conducting initial checks and maintaining an open investigation file as the search for the missing American student enters its critical phase.
