American College Student Missing in Spain is Nephew of CNN Producer David Gracey
An American college student, James “Jimmy” Gracey, has been reported missing while on spring break in Spain. The 20-year-old junior at the University of Alabama is the nephew of CNN senior producer David Gracey, who has confirmed the news. The situation has garnered significant media attention as updates continue to emerge.
Gracey was last seen around 3 a.m. local time on Tuesday outside the Shoko club near Port Olímpic in Barcelona, according to a statement from his family. He had been out with friends earlier in the evening but became separated from the group. Cavin McLay, a fraternity brother, said, “That was the last time we’ve heard from him.” Hailing from Elmhurst, Illinois, Gracey was visiting friends studying abroad.
His mother, Therese Gracey, indicated in a Facebook post that he was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and dark jogger-style pants, and noted that he wears a gold chain with a rhinestone cross. Gracey was staying at an Airbnb located at Ronda de Sant Pere.
David Gracey remarked that it is unusual for his nephew to be out of touch and described Jimmy as a responsible young man who assists his parents in caring for his younger siblings.
Reports from ABC7 in Chicago reveal that Spanish authorities have discovered Gracey’s wallet floating in the sea near Somorrostro Beach, while his stolen phone had already been recovered. The Mossos d’Esquadra, the Catalan police force, is currently investigating the case.
Gracey’s aunt, Beth Marren O’Reilly, addressed the situation on CNN’s The Situation Room With Wolf Blitzer, urging caution against misinformation. “At this point, we’re only talking about the facts that we know,” she emphasized, speaking for the family. She described Gracey as approximately six feet tall, weighing 175 pounds and having “a mop of curly hair.”
“The police are being very helpful,” O’Reilly said. She noted that her brother-in-law, Jimmy Gracey’s father, is in Barcelona collaborating closely with authorities. They are focused on tracking down the details surrounding the identified phone and searching for Jimmy.
Wolf Blitzer expressed solidarity with the family, stating, “It’s so personal for so many of us here at CNN, who’ve worked with his uncle David Gracey for years. Our hearts go out to the whole family.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding Jimmy Gracey’s whereabouts or possible sightings to contact them at 1-224-505-3886.
