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University of Alabama Student Vanishes in Barcelona, Family Pleads for Information
The family of a University of Alabama student is desperately seeking information after he went missing in Barcelona, Spain, on Tuesday. James Paul Gracey, 20, was last seen at Shoko, a beachfront nightclub in Villa Olimpica, during a visit with friends who are studying abroad.
Gracey’s parents, Taras and Therese Gracey, confirmed to NBC News that their son was wearing a white shirt, dark pants, and a chain with a gold rhinestone cross when he was last seen.
Barcelona police have initiated an investigation after receiving a report of a possible disappearance around 3 a.m. Tuesday in the Port Olímpic area. “We are conducting the initial checks and have taken a report in an open investigation,” police stated.
Beth Marren O’Reilly, Gracey’s aunt, revealed that a phone call indicating his phone had been picked up was the catalyst for the family’s concern, especially after his roommates reported not hearing from him. “We don’t know a whole lot beyond that.
At this point, our focus is really just on finding him,” O’Reilly said, describing the situation as “overwhelming.” She urged anyone with information, even those who might be hesitant, to come forward.
Cavin McLay, a junior and president of the university’s Theta Chi fraternity, learned of Gracey’s disappearance from a friend. He was informed that Gracey became separated from his group at the club, and that was the last time they saw him.
“My heart sank to my stomach. It’s definitely not a good text to wake up to,” McLay commented.
He added that the group did not experience any safety concerns prior to Gracey’s disappearance, with initial hopes that he had simply lost his phone.
Gracey, a junior accounting major from Elmhurst, Illinois, was on a “personal trip” when he vanished, according to a university spokesperson. The University of Alabama has confirmed that staff are in contact with Gracey’s family and associates, offering support and assistance.