An Illinois college student is missing in Spain, where he was visiting friends during his spring break, Us Weekly has learned.
James “Jimmy” Gracey is a junior at the University of Alabama who grew up in Elmhurst, a Chicago suburb.
The 20-year-old college student was spending time in Barcelona with friends of his who are studying abroad this semester.
Gracey allegedly failed to return to his Airbnb after a night out, according to his mother, Therese Marren Gracey.
He was last seen by a friend at around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, at Shôko, a world-renowned beachfront nightclub in Barcelona, according to a statement from his relatives.
American EDM artist Daniel Allan was headlining a gig at the club Monday, March 16.
His mother said in a heartbreaking Facebook post that when his friends left the club that morning, Gracey stayed behind to keep on partying.
“My son is a university of Alabama student who is visiting friends in Barcelona who are studying abroad,” reads the missing man’s mother’s post, which was shared to a Students in Barcelona 2026 Facebook group. “They went to Shoko last night. The police have his phone but he didn’t make it back to the air bnb. Has anyone seen him?”
Police have not said how or where they found the missing man’s phone.
Police in Catalonia have, however, confirmed they are actively investigating Gracey’s mysterious disappearance.
According to the family’s statement, Gracey stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 175 pounds, according to relatives.
He was last seen wearing a white shirt, dark pants, and a chain with a gold rhinestone cross, the statement said.
Anyone who may have any information regarding his disappearance is asked to call (224) 505-3886.
It was unclear when Gracey first arrived in Barcelona.
The State Department has not responded to Us’ request for comment.
A University of Alabama spokesperson told NBC Chicago staffers are aware of the situation and are in contact with his family.
Gracey announced in the fall that he had been elected to serve as the chaplain of the Alpha Phi Chapter of the Theta Chi fraternity.
The New York Post reports that Shoko was named the seventh-best club in the world and best nightclub in Barcelona for 2025, an honor bestowed by Nightlife International. The club offers award-winning cuisine served on the Barcelona seafront, with the establishment “redefining nightlife with exclusive experiences” in the city.
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