University of Alabama Student Disappears in Spain

Police suspect foul play in the disappearance of James Paul Gracey in Barcelona

Mar. 19, 2026 at 7:55am

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Barcelona police are investigating the disappearance of University of Alabama student James 'Jimmy' Paul Gracey, who was last seen leaving a nightclub in the city's Olympic Village area early Tuesday morning. Authorities suspect foul play based on CCTV footage that shows Gracey leaving the club with someone else.

Why it matters

The disappearance of a young American student abroad is a concerning incident that raises questions about student safety and security when traveling internationally. It also highlights the challenges law enforcement can face in investigating missing persons cases, especially across international borders.

The details

According to a local reporter, the Mossos d'Esquadra police force in Barcelona has reviewed CCTV footage that shows Gracey, a 21-year-old accounting major, leaving the Shôko nightclub around 3 a.m. on Tuesday with an unidentified person. This has led authorities to suspect foul play in his disappearance. Gracey's mother says he was visiting friends who were studying abroad in Barcelona, and he never made it back to where he was staying. Police are now searching the areas around the city's nightlife district and where Gracey was last seen.

  • Gracey was last seen leaving Shôko nightclub around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2026.
  • Gracey's mother reported him missing on Tuesday after he did not return to where he was staying.

The players

James 'Jimmy' Paul Gracey

A 21-year-old University of Alabama student who was visiting friends in Barcelona when he disappeared.

Therese Gracey

The mother of James Gracey, who has pleaded for help in finding her son on social media.

Mossos d'Esquadra

The police force in Barcelona that is investigating Gracey's disappearance.

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What they’re saying

“Based on the footage, which has not been released to the public, Gracey left the club with someone else, leading authorities to suspect that foul play was involved in his disappearance.”

— Gisela Macedo, Reporter, El Periódico

What’s next

Police in Barcelona continue to investigate Gracey's disappearance, including searching the areas around the city's nightlife district and where he was last seen. No persons of interest have been identified yet.

The takeaway

The disappearance of a young American student abroad is a tragic and concerning incident that highlights the importance of student safety and security when traveling internationally. This case underscores the challenges law enforcement can face in investigating missing persons cases across borders and the need for close coordination between authorities and families to ensure the safe return of missing individuals.