Police say they believe they know what happened to the University of Alabama student found dead in Spain

BARCELONA, Spain (WBRC/Gray News) — Investigators said they believe they know what happened to the University of Alabama student who was found dead in Spain.

Barcelona police investigators said surveillance video showed James “Jimmy” Gracey, 20, falling into the sea from the breakwater between Somorrostro Beach and Port Olímpic. They said the video supports their conclusion that Gracey’s death was a tragic accident, El Periódico de Catalunya reported Friday morning.

The footage initially showed Gracey talking with someone, but investigators later saw him “walking alone” toward the water, according to El Periódico de Catalunya.

The video has not been released publicly.

Investigators believe the evidence points to drowning, though they said Gracey’s body also showed bruises consistent with repeatedly striking rocks for hours.

A forensic expert said Gracey’s remains will be taken to medical-legal authorities for a complete examination. During the exam, officials will look for any kind of trauma around the neck, head and hands to determine whether Gracey suffered any injuries before the fall.

Gracey’s family said he was visiting friends in Barcelona during spring break. He was last seen by a friend around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, at a popular nightclub for tourists.

Gracey’s aunt, Beth Marren O’Reilly, said he somehow got separated from his friends at the night club. Gracey’s friends reportedly alerted police after he did not make it back to the Airbnb where they were staying.

On Thursday, two days after Gracey was reported missing, Spanish authorities confirmed that divers recovered his body from the sea near Barcelona’s Somorrostro area.

The Gracey family said in a statement:

“Our family is struggling to come to terms with this unimaginable loss. We are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from people around the world — so many helped to share Jimmy’s story and bring his life to light — so that others may know him."

The family also asked for privacy and said they would be pausing interviews.

In a statement, the University of Alabama also said the community is heartbroken over Gracey’s death and is providing counseling resources to students and staff.

Gracey’s family is in Barcelona while they await judicial authorization to return his body to the United States for burial in Illinois, his birthplace, according to El Periódico de Catalunya.