Spanish Police: UA Student’s Death Likely Accidental
As family, friends, fraternity brothers and the University of Alabama community mourn the loss of UA junior Jimmy Gracey, Spanish Police released a statement revealing the suspected cause of his death.
Surveillance video from the area where the 20-year-old disappeared Tuesday reportedly reveals the Illinois native walking on rocks before falling into waters of a marina in the area near Somorrostro Beach not far from Barcelona.
An eyewitness had told Catalon authorities they had seen him walking toward the rocks but did not see if he had entered the water.
Hiis wallet was found yesterday morning, and divers discovered his body in 13 feet of water nearby yesterday afternoon. Police also recovered Gracey’s phone during the arrest of another individual, according to a family spokesperson, and were reviewing location data as part of the investigation.
After initially suspecting foul play when Gracey was seen on security video leaving the popular tourist hangout Shoko beach club with an unknown person, authorities now have ruled the tragic death as likely accidental. However, a final ruling will not be made until completion of an autopsy.
The area from where Gracey disappeared is a stretch of beach with several restaurants and nightclubs that are frequented by locals and tourists alike. Other than petty crime, residents say the area is generally safe.
The accounting major's younger brother, Tommy, shared a heart-breaking tribute on Instagram which included numerous family photos.
“To my Beautiful Big Brother, Jimmy. I don’t know what to say or how to deal with this. I can’t believe it. I’m gonna miss all the texts and calls about hockey, school, and life in general. I’m not ready to say goodbye to that." he wrote.
"When I visited you for the first time at bama and I ran into your arms Is a memory I will cherish forever, thank you for that. Thank you for everything. I just can’t believe that’s all over. I will do my best to pass on your legacy. What a ride dude. I can’t wait to see you again in eternal paradise. I love you and fly high, Jimmy."
Gracey had been on spring break from UA and was visiting Theta Chi Fraternity brothers who are doing college work in Spain.
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