University of Alabama Student Missing in Spain After Night Out at Barcelona Club [WATCH]

A University of Alabama student has been reported missing after a night out with friends during a spring break trip to Spain, according to statements from his family and authorities, as reported by The New York Post.

James Paul Gracey, 20, was visiting Barcelona and spending time with friends studying abroad when he disappeared in the early morning hours of March 17, 2026.

Gracey had been at the Shoko nightclub, a well-known venue located in the Port Olímpic area of the city.

This University of Alabama student went missing in Barcelona. Please spread the word—his family is asking for help. https://t.co/ZWKID1hGc5

— Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) March 18, 2026

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His mother, Therese Gracey, said in a Facebook post that her son, who goes by Jimmy, was last seen by a friend inside the club around 3 a.m. The friend reportedly left for the night, while Gracey remained at the location.

Gracey did not return to the Airbnb residence where he was staying, prompting concern from family and friends.

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“The police have his phone, but he didn’t make it back to the Airbnb. Has anyone see him?” Therese Gracey wrote in a message shared to the “Students in Barcelona 2026” Facebook group.

Gracey is originally from Elmhurst, Illinois, and is an honors accounting junior at the University of Alabama, according to his LinkedIn profile.

The university confirmed that he is enrolled at the Tuscaloosa-based school but was on a personal trip at the time of his disappearance, according to ABC 33/40.

Authorities in Catalonia confirmed that an investigation is underway. A spokesperson for the regional police told NBC News that a report of a possible disappearance was received early in the morning.

“A call was received early yesterday morning, around 1:00 AM, reporting a possible disappearance,” the spokesperson said.

“The disappearance was reported to have occurred on March 17, 2026, at 3:00 AM, in the Port Olímpic area.”

Gracey was last seen wearing a white shirt, dark pants, and a gold chain with a rhinestone cross, according to information provided by his family.

He is also involved in campus activities, having announced in October that he was elected chaplain of the Alpha Phi Chapter of the Theta Chi Fraternity.

Fellow students in Barcelona have reported possible sightings and have encouraged the family to contact local officials and U.S. embassy representatives in an effort to increase resources dedicated to locating Gracey.

The nightclub where Gracey was last seen, Shoko, is a prominent venue in Barcelona’s nightlife scene. It was ranked as the seventh-best club in the world and the top nightclub in Barcelona for 2025 by Nightlife International.

Jimmy Gracey, a University of Alabama student from Illinois, has been reported missing after visiting a nightclub in Barcelona, Spain. NewsNation’s @MarniHughesTV has the latest details. Anyone with information is asked to contact 224-505-3886.

Latest: https://t.co/lHevdiUl1J pic.twitter.com/couqfDZysR

— NewsNation (@NewsNation) March 18, 2026

The venue is located along the city’s waterfront and is known for hosting large events and international performers.

Louisville, Kentucky-based EDM artist Daniel Allan was scheduled to headline live music at the club Monday night, according to reports.

The investigation into Gracey’s disappearance remains open as authorities continue to gather information and follow leads related to his last known whereabouts.

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