Household of Illinois school pupil James Gracey says disappearance in Barcelona is “utterly out of character”

A College of Alabama pupil from the Chicago suburbs was reported lacking whereas on a visit to Barcelona, Spain.

James “Jimmy” Gracey, 20, from Elmhurst, Illinois, was visiting pals learning overseas throughout his spring break. His household stated he disappeared early Tuesday morning after visiting Shoko Barcelona, a membership within the Villa Olimpica space on the Barceloneta Seaside.  

“They went to Shoko final evening. The police have his telephone however he did not make it again to the air bnb,” his mom Therese Marren Gracey wrote in a Fb submit Tuesday. 

“He and his pals — there was a big group of children collectively — had been at this membership, and we imagine he was final there round 3 or 4 within the morning,” his aunt Beth Marren O’Reilly advised CBS Information.   

Shoko Nightclub advised CBS Information Chicago via messages that they’ve given safety video from the evening Gracey was there to native regulation enforcement. 

The El Periódico newspaper in Spain stories that police imagine James Gracey didn’t go away the membership alone. The newspaper reported sources stated this didn’t look like a “regular” case. 

“Jimmy is a form, accountable, and devoted son and brother,” the Gracey household wrote in a proper assertion. “It’s utterly out of character for him to not test in with household and pals.”  

Native newspapers additionally report police in Barcelona are trying into safety video and have launched helicopters and marine items to seek for him within the space of the Olympic village. 

Of their assertion, the household stated he was final seen carrying a white T-shirt, darkish pants that had been seemingly joggers, and a gold chain with a rhinestone cross. He is described as 6 ft, 1 inch tall and about 175 kilos. 

“He is an ideal large brother, he is an ideal son, he is an ideal nephew, he is simply very beloved,” O’Reilly stated. “He is a really accountable child which is why we’re very frightened. That is fairly out of character for him to not be in contact with family and friends.”

O’Reilly stated Gracey was anticipated to return again from Spain on the finish of the week. 

“It is the nightmare you suppose isn’t goign to occur to your loved ones, however that is what household is for we’re right here to assist one another and simply take it minute-by-minute at this level,” she stated. 

The Gracey household stated they’re working intently with native authorities and thanked the general public for the assist they’ve acquired. 

“We ask that you simply hold Jimmy in your ideas as we proceed to do every little thing we will to deliver him residence safely,” the assertion concluded.

Gracey graduated from Saint Ignatius Faculty Prep on Chicago’s Close to West Aspect. 

“The Saint Ignatius neighborhood is praying for the protected return of Jimmy Gracey ’23,” faculty officers posted in a press release on Fb.  

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin’s workplace confirmed they’ve been in touch with the household and have shared all key data with the U.S. State Division. 

The State Division stated via a spokesperson that they’re prepared to supply “all consular help to Individuals in want overseas,” however didn’t remark particularly on James Gracey.

Anybody with data is requested to contact 224-505-3886.

Full assertion from the Gracey Household

Our household is deeply involved about James “Jimmy” Gracey, who has been lacking in Barcelona because the early morning hours of March 17. 

Jimmy is a 20-year-old College of Alabama pupil visiting pals overseas throughout spring break. He was final seen round 3:00 AM CET on the Shoko nightclub within the Port Olímpic space. He was carrying a white T-shirt, darkish pants (seemingly joggers), and a gold chain with a rhinestone cross. He’s roughly 6’1″ and 175 kilos. 

We’re asking anybody who could have seen Jimmy or has any data—irrespective of how small—to please contact 224.505.3886. 

Jimmy is a form, accountable, and devoted son and brother. It’s utterly out of character for him to not test in with household and pals. 

We’re working intently with native authorities and are extremely grateful for the assist we now have acquired. We ask that you simply hold Jimmy in your ideas as we proceed to do every little thing we will to deliver him residence safely.