Alabama student who disappeared in Spain is CNN producer's nephew

Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News on Mar 19, 2026

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

Missing University of Alabama student James Gracey, who disappeared during spring break in Spain, is the 20-year-old nephew of longtime CNN producer David Gracey.

“Jimmie” Gracey’s family said the college senior was last seen around 3 a.m. Tuesday outside a popular Barcelona nightclub. Police in northeast Spain told the missing Illinois’ man’s relatives that they have Gracey’s cellphone, which at some point was stolen. Local media said that authorities also located his wallet floating near a Barcelona beach Wednesday. An aquatic search crew reported no other clues.

Gracey’s frat brother Cavin McLay told ABC affiliate WBMA that his schoolmate got separated from their group during a late night out and hasn’t been seen since. He was visiting friends studying abroad.

Gracey’s uncle described his 6-foot-1, 175 pound nephew as someone likely to help others.

“He’s the guy that goes out of his way to be there when someone needs it,” David Gracey said in a statement to CNN. “We’re keeping our heads up and remaining hopeful that we find him safe.”

He told the network that his hockey-playing nephew is scheduled to return to the U.S. Saturday.

According to James Gracey’s mom, her son was reported missing when he failed to return to the Airbnb where he’d been staying. Therese Marren Gracey wrote on Facebook that the missing man wore a gold chain with a rhinestone cross on it. She said he was wearing a white t-shirt and dark pants when last seen.

Gracey has four younger siblings. His father reportedly flew to Spain to assist in the search for his eldest son. CNN said the University of Alabama has offered its support.

The U.S. State Department issued a statement in May advising tourists to exercise increased caution while visiting Spain due to “terrorism and unrest.”

The department reportedly declined to provide details about search efforts for Gracey citing “privacy concerns and other considerations.”

Gracey’s aunt, Beth O’Reilly, told WBMA it’s “very out of character” for her nephew to lose contact with his loved ones.