Missing Alabama Student's Cell Phone Status Unclear After Vanishing from Barcelona Nightclub

Family unsure if James Gracey's phone was lost or stolen as search continues for the 20-year-old who disappeared from Shôko nightclub.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 9:41am

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The family of missing University of Alabama student James Gracey says they are unsure if his cell phone was lost or stolen after he vanished from a Barcelona nightclub earlier this week. Gracey, 20, was last seen around 3 a.m. on Tuesday at the Shôko nightclub on Barceloneta beach, but failed to make it back to his Airbnb rental about two miles away. His aunt said the family doesn't have much additional information beyond the phone's status, and they are doing their best to stay hopeful while authorities search for any clues about Gracey's disappearance.

Why it matters

Gracey's disappearance has sparked a major police investigation in Barcelona, with authorities reviewing surveillance footage and searching nearby waters for any sign of the missing student. His family and university community are desperate for answers about what happened to the 20-year-old after he got separated from his friends at the popular nightclub.

The details

According to reports, Gracey was visiting friends in Barcelona after spending the previous weekend in Amsterdam. He was last seen around 3 a.m. on Tuesday at the Shôko nightclub, located on Barceloneta beach, but never made it back to his Airbnb rental about two miles away. Authorities have reviewed video that appears to show Gracey leaving the club with an unidentified person, leading them to suspect foul play may be involved. Police have searched his rental accommodation and conducted an underwater search, but have not found any conclusive evidence so far.

  • Gracey was last seen around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2026 at the Shôko nightclub in Barcelona.
  • Gracey's father Taras has traveled to Barcelona as the search for his son continues.

The players

James Gracey

A 20-year-old University of Alabama student who went missing after visiting a Barcelona nightclub.

Beth O'Reilly

Gracey's aunt, who has spoken about the family's anguish and uncertainty over his disappearance.

Cavin McLay

Gracey's Theta Chi fraternity brother, who has expressed hope that he will be found safe.

Taras Gracey

Gracey's father, who has traveled to Barcelona to aid in the search for his son.

David

Gracey's CNN producer uncle.

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What they’re saying

“We don't know whether it was lost, stolen, whatever.”

— Beth O'Reilly, Gracey's aunt

“We're all just hanging together and doing the best we can to get his story out so people see his face, recognize his face, and if they know anything, that they'll bring it to the authorities.”

— Beth O'Reilly, Gracey's aunt

“That was the last time we've heard from him.”

— Cavin McLay, Gracey's Theta Chi fraternity brother

“It's tough. We're doing everything we can to keep our heads up and remain hopeful that we find him safe, but it's a tough time. And, you know, we're scared.”

— Cavin McLay, Gracey's Theta Chi fraternity brother

What’s next

Authorities in Barcelona continue to investigate Gracey's disappearance, including reviewing surveillance footage and searching nearby areas. His family remains hopeful he will be found safe.

The takeaway

The uncertainty around Gracey's missing cell phone and the lack of clear information about his final moments at the Barcelona nightclub have only added to the anguish his family is facing as they wait for answers about his mysterious disappearance.