A tragic incident unfolded during spring break for University of Alabama student Jimmy Gracey, whose death off Spain’s coast is being investigated as a potential accident. However, authorities in Barcelona have not dismissed the possibility that he may have been drugged, according to a law enforcement source speaking with Fox News Digital.
Interestingly, Gracey’s wallet was discovered untouched, containing cash, credit cards, and his ID, which adds a layer of complexity to the investigation.
Investigators currently surmise that Gracey, a 20-year-old junior, may have wandered toward the water under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both, and accidentally fallen in. Despite this prevailing theory, the case remains open as officials await autopsy and toxicology reports to confirm the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise.
Jimmy Gracey, shown in an undated photo donning a Crimson Tide football jersey, was reported missing on March 17 while on a trip to Barcelona. His disappearance left family and friends searching for answers in the wake of this heartbreaking event.
In the course of the investigation, a man was apprehended with Gracey’s phone, introducing a new twist to the story. This individual, known to law enforcement for previous thefts, allegedly did not steal the phone directly from Gracey. Instead, the source suggests he found the phone abandoned on a street, leading to his subsequent arrest.
The mystery around Gracey’s death continues to unravel, as authorities piece together the final moments of his life, hoping to provide closure to those who knew and loved him.
As far as investigators can tell, he didn’t have any contact with Gracey, the source told Fox News Digital.
Catalan police from the Mossos d’Esquadra perform a recovery operation at Port Olimpic marina in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, March 19, 2026. (James Breeden for Fox News Digital)
Investigators are still reviewing surveillance video, the source said. Autopsy results and a toxicology report are not expected to be completed until next Thursday, and authorities are not expected to announce an official cause of death before then. There was no word on any potential signs of trauma Friday.
There are said to be several “loose ends” that authorities need to tie up before the case comes to a close.
Catalan police from the Mossos d’Esquadra perform a recovery operation at Port Olimpic marina in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, March 19, 2026. (James Breeden for Fox News Digital)
Other active hypotheses that remain in play include that Gracey could have been drugged, taken drugs himself or ingested a large enough amount of alcohol to disorient himself.
Much like in parts of the U.S., the source acknowledged theft rings and migrant crime can be a problem in the waterfront promenade area, where Gracey was last seen. He said that while there is a notable amount of crimes of opportunity there, especially at night and near the clubs and bars, overall crime in Barcelona has been in decline for several years.
A Catalan police diver from the Mossos d’Esquadra searches the shoreline and Port Olimpic marina in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, March 19, 2026. Police were searching for clues as to the whereabouts of 20-year-old University of Alabama student James Gracey who was last seen early Tuesday morning at the nightclub Shoko. (James Breeden for Fox News Digital)
Earlier Friday, a spokesperson for Mossos d’Esquadra, the Catalan regional police, said they believed Gracey’s death to be accidental but declined to release specific details about his final moments.
Gracey, a college junior standing 6 feet, 1 inch tall, and a group of friends from the Alabama chapter of the Theta Chi fraternity flew to Europe for a spring break trip, with plans to visit friends in Barcelona who are studying abroad.
He was last seen alive early Tuesday morning at Shoko, a nightclub on the beach next to the Port Olimpic marina, where authorities found his remains Thursday evening.
General view of Shoko nightclub Port Olimpic marina in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, March 19, 2026. Police were searching for clues as to the whereabouts of 20-year-old University of Alabama student James Gracey who was last seen early Tuesday morning at nightclub Shoko. (James Breeden for Fox News Digital)
The final known photo of him shows him inside the club, with curly brown hair and wearing his signature gold chain, with a rhinestone cross.
Most of the group left around 3 a.m., but Gracey stayed behind. He was seen talking to an American woman with brown hair, according to local reports.
By the time his friends awoke later that morning, he’d failed to return to the group’s Airbnb along Ronda de Sant Pere, a central avenue in the city about 1.5 miles from Shoko.
Catalan police from the Mossos d’Esquadra search the shoreline and Port Olimpic marina in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, March 19, 2026. Police were searching for clues as to the whereabouts of 20-year-old University of Alabama student James Gracey. (James Breeden for Fox News Digital)
Friends notified his family and local police, who opened an investigation, according to Mossos d’Esquadra, the regional police force in Catalonia, which includes Barcelona.
The case made international headlines after Gracey’s mother, Therese Gracey, posted about his disappearance in a Facebook group for expats in Barcelona, and his father, Taras Gracey, flew to Spain to take part in the search effort.
On Thursday, Mossos d’Esquadra deployed dive teams along the Mediterranean beach.
General view of Shoko nightclub Port Olimpic marina in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, March 19, 2026. (James Breeden for Fox News Digital)
Around 6:30 p.m., a worker at the marina was seen running out and flagging down officers. He pointed in the direction he came from, and police soon cordoned off the area, with investigators focused on something inside.
Despite low visibility — just under 16 inches — they recovered Gracey’s remains around 7:15 p.m.
Back home, his girlfriend in Tuscaloosa posted a heartbreaking tribute about Gracey on TikTok.
“Fly high my angel,” she wrote in the captions, with Noah Kahan’s “Strawberry Wine” playing.
“Forever in debt for having been lucky enough to be loved by the most pure-hearted, sweet, devoted, and selfless soul,” wrote Kenna Cole. “I so badly wish I could rewind time, but I am so grateful I was able to witness the last six months of your incredible life. James Paul Gracey, you truly were a blessing, and every moment I spent with you felt nothing less than that. Please continue to pray for the Gracey family and keep Jimmy’s memory close to your hearts.”
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