There's been a new development in the story surrounding missing University of Alabama student James Gracey.
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The 20-year-old's wallet was discovered a few hundred feet from the nightclub in Barcelona, Spain, where he was last seen. A Catalan police aquatic unit found it floating off Somorrostro Beach on Wednesday, March 18, per the New York Post.
What Happened to the University of Alabama student James Gracey?
James Gracey, from the Chicago suburb of West Elmhurst and a University of Alabama student, has been missing since Tuesday, March 17. His mother confirmed the news on Facebook.
"My son is a University of Alabama student who is visiting friends in Barcelona who are studying abroad," she wrote. They went to Shoko last night. The police have his phone, but he didn't make it back to the air bnb. Has anyone see him?"
She added, "Edited to add that he was wearing a white t shirt and dark pants (probably joggers). He wears a gold chain with a rhinestone cross. He was last seen by his friend at Shoko around 3 am. The friend was leaving, but Jimmy stayed."
Gracey's cell phone was found on someone when police arrested another person. But Gracey's aunt said the family doesn't know if it was lost or stolen.
A Frat Brother Saw Gracey
Cavin McLay, a frat brother of Gracey's, talked to reporters about the last time he saw his friend.
"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," McLay said on Wednesday. "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."
He went on to describe Gracey as a "great person, a man of upstanding character. One of those people that's there for anyone when they ever need it." The two have known each other since they were freshmen at the University of Alabama. McLay is optimistic that Gracey will be found safe.
"He serves as a mentor for our younger guys and guides our brothers on their journey with their faith," he said. "And he also serves as one of our philanthropy chairmen and devotes his time to giving back to others."
Meanwhile, investigators have continued their efforts. They reviewed the footage from Shoko, which revealed that Gracey did not leave the club alone. However, they haven't been able to confirm the identity of his companion. Authorities think that foul play may be involved.
As the investigation continues, Gracey's father is currently in Spain. The State Department has stated it is ready to provide "all consular assistance to Americans in need abroad."
