Police Search for Missing US Student in Barcelona

James 'Jimmy' Gracey, a 20-year-old from Illinois, was last seen at a nightclub in the Spanish city.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 11:18pm

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Police in Barcelona, Spain, are searching for James 'Jimmy' Gracey, a 20-year-old college student from Illinois who went missing after a night out with friends earlier this week. Gracey was last seen at a nightclub in the city around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, but never returned to the room he was renting with friends. His family and the University of Alabama, where he is a student, are working closely with local authorities to find him.

Why it matters

The disappearance of a young American student abroad is concerning, raising questions about safety and security for travelers. Gracey's case highlights the importance of communication and coordination between local and international authorities when dealing with missing persons cases.

The details

According to family members, Gracey was visiting friends who are studying abroad in Barcelona. He was last seen outside of Shoko, a nightclub near Barceloneta Beach, wearing a white shirt, dark pants, and a gold cross necklace. Gracey never returned to the room he was sharing with friends, prompting a search by regional Catalan police that has included air patrols and underwater sweeps.

  • Gracey was last seen around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.
  • Police in Barcelona began searching for Gracey on Thursday, March 20, 2026.

The players

James 'Jimmy' Gracey

A 20-year-old college student at the University of Alabama from Elmhurst, Illinois, who went missing in Barcelona, Spain.

University of Alabama

The school Gracey attends, which has been in communication with his family and local authorities in Barcelona.

Theta Chi Fraternity

The fraternity Gracey is a member of at the University of Alabama, which has also been in communication with authorities regarding his disappearance.

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What they’re saying

“Jimmy is a kind, responsible, and devoted son and brother. It is completely out of character for him not to check in with family and friends.”

— Gracey's Family

“We are keeping Jimmy and his family at the forefront of our thoughts, and our staff are in direct communication with the family to offer every support and assistance possible.”

— University of Alabama

“Since learning of his disappearance, the International Fraternity has been in regular communication with federal lawmakers, the University of Alabama, and our chapter members, including those who remain in Barcelona searching tirelessly for Jimmy.”

— Michael Mayer, CEO, Theta Chi Fraternity

What’s next

Authorities in Barcelona continue to search for Gracey, including air patrols and underwater sweeps. His family and the University of Alabama remain in close contact with local officials to assist in the investigation and bring Gracey home safely.

The takeaway

The disappearance of James 'Jimmy' Gracey in Barcelona highlights the importance of communication and coordination between local and international authorities when dealing with missing persons cases abroad. It also underscores the need for travelers to maintain close contact with family and friends, especially when visiting unfamiliar locations.