Security footage shows the final moments before falling into the water near a busy nightlife district.
BARCELONA, Spain – A 20-year-old American college student from Illinois who went missing during a trip to Spain has been found dead after accidentally falling into the sea near a popular Barcelona nightlife area, according to police. Investigators say surveillance footage captured the final moments before the fall, helping rule out any criminal involvement.
James Gracey, a student at the University of Alabama, disappeared early Tuesday while on spring break. Authorities said video shows him walking alone toward a pier near the Olympic Port before falling into the water “without any third-party involvement,” according to police sources.
Body recovered near nightclub district
Gracey’s body was discovered submerged about four meters below the surface near Somorrostro Beach, just a short distance from the Shoko nightclub where he was last seen around 3 a.m. Divers located the body after a two-day search conducted by the Mossos d’Esquadra, Catalonia’s regional police.
An autopsy completed Friday confirmed the cause of death as drowning and “ruled out any signs of foul play,” according to sources familiar with the investigation.
Key Points
- American student James Gracey found dead in waters off Barcelona
- Surveillance video shows accidental fall with no foul play suspected
- Autopsy confirms drowning as cause of death
Timeline and investigation details
Gracey had been staying at a short-term rental in the city and was expected to return to Chicago later in the week. Concern grew when he did not return to his accommodations after a night out with friends.
During the search, local police recovered Gracey’s cell phone after stopping a known pickpocket in the area. The individual told officers he had found the phone. Investigators said the discovery is not believed to be connected to the circumstances of Gracey’s fall.
Gracey’s father, attorney Taras Gracey, traveled to Barcelona and was present during search efforts as authorities worked to trace the student’s final movements.