Barcelona court investigates accidental death of American student at Somorrostro beach

Police reports indicate that 20-year-old James Gracey fell into the sea by accident during a night out.

Generic image of the pier area at Somorrostro beach in Barcelona at night.
IA

Generic image of the pier area at Somorrostro beach in Barcelona at night.

A Barcelona magistrate has opened an investigation into the death of James 'Jimmy' Gracey, a 20-year-old American student who went missing last Tuesday in the city.

The Mossos d'Esquadra are finalizing a report suggesting the death was a tragic accident. Security footage and witness statements show that Gracey walked alone towards the pier at Somorrostro beach before falling into the water in the early hours of the morning.
Police divers recovered the body on Thursday afternoon near the rocks. The search operation included the Barcelona Fire Department and the Civil Guard. The victim, an accounting student at the University of Alabama, was visiting friends in Europe during spring break.
The court is currently awaiting autopsy results to confirm drowning as the cause of death and check for alcohol levels before releasing the body to the family for repatriation to the United States.