UPDATE: The body of 20-year-old missing University of Alabama student James “Jimmy” Gracey has been found at Somorrostro beach.

Mossos d’Esquadra recovered the body in the early afternoon and efforts are being made to identify the body, although evidence indicates that it is Gracey.

Authorities have confirmed that the wallet belonging to Jimmy Gracey was discovered floating in the water near Somorrostro Beach, not on the shoreline as initially speculated.

The wallet was located just a short distance from Shôko Barcelona, the last known location where Gracey was seen prior to his disappearance.

Investigators noted that the discovery site lies within the city’s active beachfront nightlife district, an area Gracey had visited earlier that evening.

On Wednesday morning, maritime and aquatic response units were observed conducting a focused search in the vicinity where the wallet was recovered, carefully examining the surrounding waters and shoreline.

In response to this development, authorities have expanded search operations across the Olympic Village coastal area, deploying helicopters and maritime patrol units.

The intensified search effort indicates investigators are exploring the possibility that Gracey may have entered or fallen into the water.

The investigation remains ongoing as officials continue to pursue all leads in the effort to locate him.

BARCELONA, Spain — Authorities in Barcelona are investigating the disappearance of University of Alabama student Jimmy Gracey as a potential case of foul play.

Authorities in Barcelona are continuing an active investigation into the disappearance of 20-year-old James Gracey, a student at the University of Alabama, who went missing while on spring break in Spain.

Gracey, originally from Illinois, had traveled to Barcelona with a group of friends. On the night of March 16, the group visited Shoko Barcelona, a popular waterfront nightclub.

According to reports, one of Gracey’s friends left the venue around 3:00 a.m., while Gracey chose to remain out later. He never returned to the Airbnb where he and his friends were staying and was subsequently reported missing.

Investigators have obtained and are reviewing surveillance footage connected to the case.

According to Spanish media outlet El Periódico, Gracey was last seen outside the nightclub in the company of an unidentified brunette American woman. Authorities have not confirmed whether the individual was known to Gracey or someone he met that evening.

The investigation has expanded significantly in recent days. Officials with the Mossos d’Esquadra confirmed that Gracey’s mobile phone was recovered following the arrest of an unidentified individual.

While police have not disclosed details surrounding the arrest or how the individual came into possession of the phone, investigators are analyzing its location data in an effort to trace Gracey’s movements.

Law enforcement is also reviewing additional surveillance footage from nearby businesses and conducting interviews with individuals who may have had recent contact with Gracey. Authorities have indicated that foul play is suspected in the case.

Friends and family describe Gracey as a responsible and well-respected young man. Cavin McLay, a close friend and president of Alabama’s Theta Chi fraternity, stated that Gracey is widely known within the organization for his leadership and character. He served as the fraternity’s chaplain and philanthropy chairman, mentoring younger members and dedicating time to community service.

Family members have also spoken publicly, emphasizing Gracey’s strong sense of responsibility and close relationship with his siblings.

As the oldest of five children, he played an active role in supporting his family and was not known to lose contact.

Gracey had been scheduled to return to the United States on Saturday. His parents and two uncles have since traveled to Barcelona and are working closely with authorities, as well as officials from the U.S. Department of State.

The search for Gracey remains ongoing as investigators pursue all leads.

Family, friends, and community members continue to hold out hope for his safe return while asking for privacy and support during this difficult time.