CHICAGO (AP) — Police in Spain have intensified their search for James Jimmy Gracey, a 20-year-old college student from Illinois, who was reported missing following a night out with friends in Barcelona.
Gracey, a student at the University of Alabama, was visiting friends studying abroad when he was last seen leaving Shoko nightclub around 3 a.m. on Tuesday. Concerned family members reported that he never returned to the room he was renting with friends.
Authorities are conducting comprehensive searches, including air patrols and underwater sweeps, as efforts to locate him continue. His family provided a description of what he was wearing at the time of his disappearance: a white shirt, dark pants, and a gold rhinestone cross chain.
“Jimmy is a kind, responsible, and devoted son and brother. It is completely out of character for him not to check in with his family and friends,” his family stated. They expressed deep gratitude for the support from local authorities and the community.
As the search persists, friends in Barcelona have started putting up missing person flyers displaying Gracey's photo and the details of his disappearance. The University of Alabama is also involved, stating, 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.”
The Theta Chi fraternity, of which Gracey is a member, reported their ongoing communication with officials and efforts towards finding him. Gracey is recognized as holding two positions within the fraternity's chapter at his university.
Anyone with information regarding Gracey's whereabouts is urged to contact local authorities, and his friends urge the public to assist in spreading awareness for his safe return.
