Body of college student from suburban Chicago who went missing in Spain found: Police

The beach where the body was found is near where James "Jimmy" Gracey, a 20-year-old college student from suburban Elmhurst, was last seen in Barcelona earlier this week.

Police in Spain have found the body of a missing college student from suburban Chicago, who disappeared while visiting friends on spring break.

Catalan police announced on their Telegram channel that a body found Thursday off the Barcelona beach has been identified as James "Jimmy" Gracey, a 20-year-old college student from Illinois.

Authorities had earlier confirmed to NBC News a body was found at Somorrostro Beach around 6 p.m. local time Thursday, but no identity was immediately released.

Catalan police said an investigation continues into the cause of death.

The beach where the body was found is near where Gracey, who is from suburban Elmhurst, was last seen in Barcelona earlier this week.

Gracey, a junior at the University of Alabama, traveled to Spain over spring break to visit friends who were studying abroad, according to a statement from Gracey's family. He was last seen leaving a club in Barcelona, the capital city of the Catalonia region.

The graduate of Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago was last seen by a friend at about 3 a.m. Tuesday at Shôko, a beachfront nightclub in the Olimpica area, Gracey's family said. He was wearing a white shirt, dark pants, and a chain with a gold rhinestone cross.

But Gracey never returned to the room he was renting with friends and police recovered his phone soon after he went missing.

His family did not comment on the latest update, but told NBC Chicago Thursday afternoon that they were pausing interviews "to focus on being together and caring for one another."

"We are so grateful for the kindness and concern that has been shown for our family during this incredibly difficult time," the statement read.

In a social media post verified by NBC Chicago, Gracey's mother pleaded for help.

"My son is a university of Alabama student who is visiting friends in Barcelona who are studying abroad," the message, posted by Gracey's mother and shared to a Students in Barcelona 2026 Facebook group, said. "They went to Shoko last night. The police have his phone but he didn’t make it back to the air bnb. Has anyone see him?"

It wasn't immediately clear how police obtained Gracey's phone.

A University of Alabama spokesperson shared the following statement to NBC Chicago regarding Gracey's disappearance:

"James Paul Gracey is a UA student on a personal trip," the statement said. "UA staff are in touch with the family and those associated with them to offer support and assistance in any way possible."

Theta Chi International Fraternity CEO Mike Mayer said in a statement the fraternity "is deeply concerned for the safety and well-being" of Gracey, who was a member of the group.

"We extend our full support to Jimmy's family and loved ones, and we stand ready to help them in any way. We ask anyone with knowledge of Jimmy's whereabouts or the circumstances of his disappearance to directly contact the U.S. Consulate in Barcelona immediately," the statement read.

Check back for more on this developing story.