James Gracey, a 20-year-old University of Alabama student found dead in Barcelona Thursday, may have been drugged before his death, according to a law enforcement source.
According to FOX News Digital, the source stated that investigators believe Gracey fell into the ocean near Somorrostro Beach while intoxicated, drugged, or both.
Authorities cannot make a final ruling until the official autopsy and toxicology results are complete. It’s also unclear, if he did have drugs in his system, whether someone drugged him or whether he took the drugs himself.
An initial autopsy “rules out foul play and supports the police hypothesis that [Gracey] accidentally fell into the sea and drowned,” according to El Periódico.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Mossos d’Esquadra authorities made the discovery after Gracey, of Elmhurst, Illinois, vanished March 17 after going to the Shôko beachfront restaurant and nightclub with friends, in Barcelona’s Port Olímpic area.
La VanGuardia reports that Catalan police located his body “four meters in the waters of Barcelona’s Port Olímpic.”
A video obtained by law enforcement showed Gracey walking alone, headed toward a dock area before falling into the water.
On Thursday, police found Gracey’s wallet floating in water near Somorrostro Beach. The discovery happened after aquatic and drone searches began searching the area. The wallet had cash, credit cards, and his identification inside.
Police also arrested a man who had Gracey’s phone.
According to FOX, a law enforcement source stated that the man is someone known to authorities, and has previous arrests for theft. Police believe he may have found the phone and picked it up without interacting with Gracey.
Gracey had been on a personal spring break trip to the country to visit friends who study abroad. According to CNN, Gracey’s flight back home was scheduled for Saturday.
“Our family is heartbroken as we confirm that Jimmy’s body has been recovered in Barcelona,” a family statement read.
“Jimmy was a deeply loved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend, and our family is struggling to come to terms with this unimaginable loss.”
Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Family Handout]
