‘We’re scared’: Fraternity brother of University of Alabama student missing in Barcelona speaks out
By Mya Caleb, Riley Conlon
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Alabama (WVTM) — A close friend and fraternity brother of a University of Alabama student missing in Barcelona is speaking out as the search continues.
James “Jimmy” Gracey, an Illinois native, was reported missing while visiting friends over spring break who are studying abroad in the Spanish city. He was last seen around 3 a.m. Tuesday at the Shoko nightclub. One friend who had been with him left the venue, and Gracey did not return to the group’s Airbnb, they said.
Cavin McLay, who also travelled to Barcelona for spring break, called Gracey one of his best friends, saying the two met freshman year and rushed Alabama’s chapter of the Theta Chi fraternity together.
“He’s a great person, he’s a great guy, a man of upstanding character. He’s one of those people that’s there for anyone when they ever need it,” said McLay.
According to McLay, Gracey served as chaplain of Theta Chi’s executive board.
“He serves as a mentor for our younger guys and guides our brothers on their journey with their faith,” said McLay. “And he also serves as one of our philanthropy chairmen and devotes his time to giving back to others.”
What began as a spring break trip for Gracey and McLay’s friend group has since turned into an urgent search effort involving multiple agencies.
“It’s tough. We’re doing everything we can to keep our heads up and remain hopeful that we find him safe, but it’s a tough time. And, you know, we’re scared,” said McLay. “His dad landed here this morning. We’ve been working closely with local authorities and Senator Britt’s office, the State Department, US embassy here in Barcelona.”
Gracey’s family released a statement asking that any information about his whereabouts be shared in hopes of finding him. McLay urged the public to continue sharing flyers and information as well.
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