The death of James "Jimmy" Gracey, a 20-year-old University of Alabama student who disappeared in Barcelona, Spain, earlier this week, appears to have been an accident, according to local authorities.
The Illinois native was reported missing on March 17 when he didn't return after a late night out with friends. Two days later, the Catalan police force (Mossos d’Esquadra) confirmed his body was found in the water at Somorrostro beach, just in front of the club where he was last seen.
The police force told USA TODAY in a March 20 statement that Gracey appeared to have died from accidental drowning. Security cameras from the same morning he went missing captured the student walking alone toward the beach's pier before falling in, reported Spanish newspaper El País.
Police do not suspect foul play but are awaiting autopsy results.
"Jimmy was a deeply loved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend, and our family is struggling to come to terms with this unimaginable loss," Gracey's family said in a March 19 statement on Facebook. "We are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from people around the world – so many helped to share Jimmy’s story and bring his life to light so that others may know him."
