Family of missing Spring Breaker Jimmy Gracey breaks silence on phone mystery after disappearance on Barcelona trip

THE family of an American student missing in Spain during Spring Break claim police found his phone on another person and it was likely “stolen” as they frantically search for him.

James “Jimmy” Gracey, 20, was last seen by a friend around 3 am local time outside Barcelona’s Shoko nightclub on Barceloneta Beach.

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James Paul Gracey, also known as Jimmy, is missing in BarcelonaCredit: Therese Marren Gracey

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James Gracey photographed when he was younger in an Instagram snap carrying a treeCredit: Instagram

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Aerial view of Ciutat Vella district with Barceloneta beach Spain where James Gracey disappearedCredit: Getty
The University of Alabama student was reported missing after he failed to return to his AirBnB after a night partying, his mother, Therese Gracey, said in a Facebook post.

CNN claims the Catalan police force in Spain, Mossos d’Esquadra, is investigating, but it has not yet provided further details.

A direct family member told The U.S. Sun on Wednesday morning that James’s father, Teras, has landed in Spain to meet with police and help with the search.

His mother is set to join them today after pleading for help on social media and sharing photographs of their son, according to the relative.

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Asked how police recovered James’s phone, they said, “We’re not 100 per cent sure what the situation was because it was a bit hard to understand the police due to the language barrier but we believe that it was stolen.

“The cops found the phone on the person who stole it from [James].”

The family member added that they have contacted the Embassy for help in assisting with the search.

A State Department spokesperson told The U.S. Sun, “The Trump Administration has no greater priority than the safety and security of Americans, and the State Department stands ready to provide all consular assistance to Americans in need abroad.

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“When Americans are missing abroad, we can help their families and friends to file missing persons reports and help them understand local procedures.

“Due to privacy and other considerations, we have nothing additional to add at this time.”

James is believed to have been wearing a white T-shirt and dark pants — likely joggers — at the time of his disappearance, according to his mother.

“He wears a gold chain with a rhinestone cross,” she added, while urging people to get in touch with her if they knew his location.

James is a member of the Alpha Phi Chapter of Theta Chi and his fraternity brothers back in the US have been sharing information about his disappearance.

A friend also told The U.S. Sun, “I heard Jimmy’s dad is on the way to Spain to help find him.

“This is super tough on all of us right now. He was there visiting with a bunch of our other friends who are juniors.

“A couple of kids in our friend group were already studying abroad there so the rest of the group visited as their Spring Break.

“The whole thing is so confusing. I just want to see him again.”

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James Gracey’s final movements before he vanished, according to family
He believes his disappearance is out of character, explaining, “Jimmy has a good head on his shoulders.

“He runs bible study at our fraternity before dinner. This is a super smart, great kid.”

The worried friend added, “I’m trying to stay positive. We are all just worried sick.”

The University of Alabama released a statement saying it is doing all it can to help the family.

“James Paul Gracey is a UA student on a personal trip,” a media rep told The U.S. Sun.

Mother urges help to find missing son, University of Alabama student James ‘Jimmy’ Paul Gracey

The Spring breaker’s mother shared the following plea on social media:

“My son is a university of Alabama student who is visiting friends in Barcelona who are studying abroad.

“They went to Shoko last night [Monday].

“The police have his phone but he didn’t make it back to the air bnb.

“Has anyone see him? Please call or message me and share this post.

“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.”

“UA staff are in touch with the family and those associated with them to offer support and assistance in any way possible.”

Shoko is a popular venue in Barcelona and reportedly draws a jet-set crowd of partygoers, influencers, and tourists looking for a taste of the high life.

Photographs and videos on the club’s social media amid James’s disappearance show the place packed with hundreds of people dancing under strobe lights with smoke machines being set off.

The club is known for its beachfront views, hip-hop and reggaeton beats, and VIP tables flowing with bottle service.

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The U.S. Sun has reached out to Shoko nightclub but did not receive a reply.

The family is asking anyone with information to contact them at 224-505-3886.

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Jimmy was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and dark pants, as family say he also wears a gold chain with a rhinestone crossCredit: Therese Marren Gracey/Facebook

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Therese Marren Gracey is urgently trying to find her missing son who went on vacationCredit: Therese Marren Gracey