A fraternity brother of missing University of Alabama student James Paul Gracey has recalled the last moments they spent together before he suddenly vanished from a Barcelona nightclub — and how they’re all “scared” for him.
Gracey, who goes by Jimmy, had been hanging out with a group of friends during his spring break trip to Spain when he was separated from his pals inside the world-renowned Shoko club Tuesday morning.
“Unfortunately, he was separated from the rest of the group later into the night, and that was the last time we’ve heard from him,” Cavin McLay told WBMA on Wednesday.
“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,” McLay said.
Gracey and McLay are both part of the Theta Chi fraternity at the University of Alabama, where the pair met as freshmen and rushed together, according to WVTM.
Gracey, an Elmhurst, Illinois, native who is studying accounting, was reported missing after he failed to return to the Airbnb where he had been staying.
The junior was seen on surveillance footage leaving the hip nightclub with an unidentified person around 3 a.m. Tuesday, a reporter for the Spanish newspaper El Periódico told CBS 42.
That footage led police to suspect somebody might be involved in Gracey’s disappearance.
McLay described his missing “brother” as a “great person, a man of upstanding character. One of those people that’s there for anyone when they ever need it,” he told WVTM.
In October, Gracey was elected to serve as the chaplain of the fraternity’s executive board, saying he was looking forward to “leading with integrity, promoting a values-based culture and supporting the personal and spiritual growth of the chapter,” according to his LinkedIn.
“He serves as a mentor for our younger guys and guides our brothers on their journey with their faith,” McLay told the outlet. “And he also serves as one of our philanthropy chairmen and devotes his time to giving back to others.”
Since his disappearance, the group of friends has come together with Gracey’s family, helping in the search for the college student.
“They’re out on the beach right now handing out flyers, just getting as many eyes as we possibly can looking out for him,” McLay said.
“His dad landed here this morning. We’ve been working closely with local authorities and Sen. [Katie] Britt’s office, the State Department, US Embassy here in Barcelona.”
Catalonia police have opened an investigation into Gracey’s disappearance, revealing his phone was recovered by officials.
“We went into the station, and they told us that they had his phone,” McLay told WBMA.
News
New Details: More texts between Mackenzie Shirilla and Dominic Russo have surfaced from before the d3adly crash she caused at 100 mph
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Disturbing text messages have been revealed between Mackenzie Shirilla and her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, before she ultimately took his life and the life of his friend, Davion Flanagan, in a horrific, fatal crash. The…
50 More Pages: The messages Mackenzie Shirilla exchanged with Dominic Russo before the fatal 100-mph cr@sh are now drawing fresh attention
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Disturbing text messages have been revealed between Mackenzie Shirilla and her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, before she ultimately took his life and the life of his friend, Davion Flanagan, in a horrific, fatal crash. The…
Dad In Denial: Police bodycam footage has revealed a disturbing side of Mackenzie Shirilla’s father as he struggles to accept the truth about her
Strongsville Police Department After Mackenzie Shirilla was arrested in connection to the fatal car crash that killed her boyfriend, Dominic Russo, and friend Davion Flanagan, her dad went down to the police station to yell at the officers for arresting the “dumb 18-year-old.” The…
Breaking: Mackenzie Shirilla’s dad is fighting back with a 200-page appeal file and new evidence in support of his daughter
The shocking car crash that killed Shirilla’s boyfriend, Dominic Russo, and their friend, Davion Flanagan, is the subject of the new Netflix documentary, “The Crash.” Mackenzie Shirilla and Steve Shirilla in ‘The Crash’.Credit: Netflix (2) Mackenzie Shirilla’s father, Steve Shirilla, continues…
B@il Granted: Nick Pasqual’s release after the brutal st@bbing of his ex-girlfriend more than 20 t!mes is sparking major reaction
Nick Pasqual was convicted of the attempted murder of Allie Shehorn Nick Pasqual and Allie Shehorn.Credit : Maury Phillips/WireImage; GoFundMe An actor who once appeared on How I Met Your Mother was sentenced to 32 years to life for the attempted…
“I loved him so much”: Newly released five-hour recordings from Mackenzie Shirilla’s pr!son calls exposed her emotional confession about love behind b@rs
She’s apparently been getting loads of attention from boys Mackenzie Shirilla is apparently getting involved in a bit of a prison romance, and has been happy to gush about the new boy in her life during phone calls with her…
End of content
No more pages to load






