Spanish authorities recovered University of Alabama student James Gracey‘s body out of the Mediterranean sea near where he vanished while on spring break in Barcelona this week.
A spokesperson for the Barcelona police confirmed the body belonged to the 20-year-old Elmhurst, Illinois native, and told CNN: “Everything points to it being an accident, not a criminal act.”
Gracey was last seen in video surveillance footage leaving Shôko nightclub near Port Olímpic around 3 a.m. Tuesday.
The heartbreaking identification comes just hours after police found a “lifeless body” in 13-foot-deep water near the club Thursday afternoon — and soon after the Gracey family thanked the public for their “thoughts and prayers” in a new statement.
“We are so grateful for the kindness and concern that has been shown for our family during this incredibly difficult time,” the family said, Alabama news outlet Al.com reported.
The family, who had traveled to the popular destination to search for Gracey, added that they would not be giving interviews “at this time to focus on being together and caring for one another.”
Gracey, who goes by Jimmy, was in the Spanish city to visit friends studying abroad when he disappeared.
Here is the latest on missing University of Alabama student James Gracey
The nightmare began when he somehow got separated from his group of pals inside the world-renowned club.
His friends reported him missing after he failed to turn up at their Airbnb about two miles away in Ronda de Sant Pere.
Authorities, who once suspected foul play was involved, found Gracey’s wallet floating in the waters off Somorrostro beach, which starts a few hundred feet from the nightclub, on Wednesday. His phone was also recovered by police.
One of Gracey’s frat brothers who was there the night he vanished was previously holding out hope that he’d be found alive.
“Unfortunately, he was separated from the rest of the group later into the night, and that was the last time we’ve heard from him,” Cavin McLay told the WBMA.
“It’s tough. We’re doing everything we can to keep our heads up and remain hopeful that we find him safe, but it’s a tough time. And, you know, we’re scared,” said McLay, adding that Gracey served as a “mentor” to guide other members of Theta Chi “on their journey with their faith.”
Gracey’s devastated parents previously described the junior student as a “kind, responsible, and devoted son and brother.”