University of Alabama student missing in Spain, foul play suspected
A University of Alabama student has been reported missing after visiting a nightclub in Barcelona, Spain, and NewsNation affiliate WIAT reports police suspect foul play.Jimmy Gracey, from Elmhurst, Illinois, hasn’t been seen since the early hours of Tuesday, March 17.
His mother, Therese Marren Gracey, said on Facebook that Gracey had been in Barcelona visiting friends who were studying abroad.
He had visited beachfront club Shôko Barcelona wth a friend on Monday night. The friend left, but he stayed.
Gracey confirmed that police had her son’s phone, but he did not return to the Airbnb where he was staying.
It is not clear how the police got his phone.
WIAT says a Barcelona reporter told the network that police are reviewing surveillance video and suspect foul play.
Police reportedly looked at CCTV video and saw Jimmy Gracey outside the club and said he left with someone else. The investigation is in the stage of trying to determine where he went.
The person he was with has not been identified, nor do police know that person’s relation to Gracey.
In a statement, the University of Alabama said Gracey was on a personal trip, and they are in touch with the family to offer support.
The president of his fraternity chapter, Cavin McLay, is also in Barcelona. He told NewsNation in a statement, “Jimmy is a beloved brother and a man of upstanding character. He serves as a mentor to younger classes in our chapter and guides our brothers on their journey with their Faith as our Chaplain. He also serves as one of our Philanthropy Chairman and devotes his time to giving back to others. He’s the guy that goes out of his way to be there when someone needs it. We’re working closely and appreciate the support from Senator Britts office, the State Department, the US Embassy here in Barcelona, the UA administration and student body, Theta Chi IHQ, and everyone else involved. Thank you to everyone sharing the story and helping to raise awareness. We’re keeping our heads up and remaining hopeful that we find him safe.”
