Catalan police confirmed Thursday that they recovered the body of James "Jimmy" Gracey, a 20-year-old University of Alabama student who disappeared during a spring break trip to Barcelona, Spain.

The body was discovered around 6 p.m. local time in waters about four meters deep off Somorrostro beach in the Port Olímpic area, directly in front of the Shôko nightclub where Gracey was last seen alive. Authorities identified the remains as Gracey's shortly before 8:45 p.m. local time.

Gracey, a junior from Elmhurst, Illinois, arrived in Barcelona earlier in the week to visit friends studying abroad. On the night of March 16, he went to the beachfront Shôko club with a friend. Around 3 a.m. on March 17, the friend left the venue while Gracey stayed behind. Security footage showed him leaving the club with an unidentified person, though police have not released further details on that individual.

He never returned to his Airbnb accommodation near Ronda de Sant Pere. His family reported him missing later that day after he failed to check in. A witness later told police they saw a young man walking toward the sea in the area. Gracey's wallet was found floating in the ocean, and reports indicated his phone had been stolen, with police recovering it from a suspect, though not all details were officially confirmed.

Dive teams from the Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's police force, conducted sea searches prompted by these leads. Officials now state they no longer believe foul play was involved.

Gracey stood 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighed about 175 pounds, and was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, dark pants and a gold chain with a rhinestone cross.

His family released a statement expressing devastation. "Our family is heartbroken as we confirm that Jimmy’s body has been recovered in Barcelona," they said. "Jimmy was a deeply loved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend... We kindly ask for privacy so that we may grieve together." They thanked supporters worldwide and authorities, including the U.S. Consulate, for their assistance.

The University of Alabama also issued a statement. "The University of Alabama community is heartbroken to learn of the death of Jimmy Gracey," it read. "Jimmy’s loss is deeply felt across our campus. Our condolences are with the Gracey family during this devastating time." The university pledged continued support for the family and campus community, providing counseling resources at 205-348-5454 for students and 888-283-3515 for others.

No cause of death has been released as investigations continue. Gracey's parents had traveled to Spain amid the search efforts.