TRAGIC END 

University of Alabama student James Gracey’s cause of death confirmed as police make final decision on investigation

A SPRING break mystery that haunted a college campus has now taken a grim turn after police closed the case.

Investigators in Spain say they are no longer treating the death of a University of Alabama student as criminal.

3
College student James Gracey vanished from a Barcelona club in the early morning hours on TuesdayCredit: AP
 

3
Jimmy Gracey died by drowning after falling into the water near a nightclub in Barcelona, according to an autopsy reportCredit: Reuters
 

3
The autopsy reportedly found he had bruises consistent with repeatedly striking rocks for hoursCredit: Google Maps
Jimmy Gracey died by drowning after falling into the water near a nightclub in Barcelona, according to an autopsy report.

His death was ruled accidental, and police will not pursue criminal charges, Spanish outlet El Periódico de Catalunya reported.

The 20-year-old disappeared after leaving the Shôko nightclub on March 17.

He had become separated from his friends and was last seen walking alone toward the rocky coastline near the beachfront venue.

Gracey’s body was pulled from the sea near Barcelona’s Somorrosto area two days later.

The autopsy reportedly found he had bruises consistent with repeatedly striking rocks for hours.

Before that report was completed, police were looking into whether Gracey may have been drugged before he entered the water.

That question has not fully gone away.

His toxicology report is still pending and could show whether there were drugs in his system when he died.

Police also recovered Gracey’s wallet near the shore.

His phone was found with a man who said he picked it up from the sidewalk and pocketed it.

Investigators do not believe that man had any direct contact with Gracey.

The Illinois native had been in Spain for spring break with friends.

He was staying at an Airbnb about two miles from the club, and those friends were the first to report him missing.

Back at the University of Alabama, Gracey served as chaplain of the Alpha Phi Chapter of the Theta Chi Fraternity.

His heartbroken family said: “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.”

His younger brother also shared a tribute to his “Beautiful Big Brother Jimmy.”

“I’m gonna miss all the texts and calls about hockey, school, and life in general. I’m not ready to say goodbye to that,” he wrote.

“When I visited you for the first time at bama [sic] and I ran into your arms is a memory I will cherish forever, thank you for that.”

“Thank you for everything. I just can’t believe that’s all over. I will do my best to pass on your legacy. What a ride dude. I can’t wait to see you again in eternal paradise. I love you and fly high, Jimmy.”