University of Alabama Student Missing on Trip to Barcelona

A student at the University of Alabama is missing in the Spanish city of Barcelona after a night out with friends, the school confirmed on Wednesday.

According to posts on social media, 20-year-old James Paul Gracey was visiting a club called Shôko on the Barcelona beachfront late Monday night into Tuesday morning.

He has reportedly not been seen by the friends he was with since before dawn Tuesday.

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In a Facebook post, Gracey's mother asked for anyone with information about his location to call 773-484-0160.

A spokesperson for the University of Alabama confirmed Gracey is enrolled here in Tuscaloosa and said they are aware of the situation.

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

The Gracey family has issued a statement and said James' disappearance is out of character.

"Our family is deeply concerned about James “Jimmy” Gracey, who has been missing in Barcelona since the early morning hours of March 17.

Jimmy is a 20-year-old University of Alabama student visiting friends abroad during spring break. He was last seen around 3:00 AM CET at the Shoko nightclub in the Port Olímpic area. He was wearing a white T-shirt, dark pants (likely joggers), and a gold chain with a rhinestone cross. He is approximately 6’1” and 175 pounds.

We are asking anyone who may have seen Jimmy or has any information—no matter how small—to please contact 224.505.3886.

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.

We are working closely with local authorities and are incredibly grateful for the support we have received. We ask that you keep Jimmy in your thoughts as we continue to do everything we can to bring him home safely.

Thank you. "

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