University of Alabama student James Gracey’s brother paid a heart-wrenching tribute to him after his body was found floating in the Mediterranean Sea outside a club in Barcelona. The Instagram post included snaps of the two from hockey games, family photos from Christmas and vacations, and photos of the two brothers hugging.
“To my Beautiful Big Brother, Jimmy, I don’t know what to say or how to deal with this. I can’t believe it. 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. All the random inside jokes and mom would have no idea what we were talking about,” younger brother Tommy Gracey wrote.
“I still don’t know what you did at Ignatius to get so popular. I still have people asking if I’m your brother. I guess you really didn’t want to tell me. I don’t know how to get through this or how to take over your roll in the family. Your courage for all of us was inspiring. All the boat rides and night swims at the lake. I can’t say goodbye yet. I would do anything to have just one more conversation with you. I fell in love with Ignatius hockey by going to literally every game I physically could be at, including the 9:30pm Wednesday night game in the middle of nowhere. I’m gonna miss visiting you at Alabama. The tours of the frat houses and random spots on campus you have the most funny but weird stories for. You always tried to put a smile on everyone’s face,” he continued.
Tommy added, “I loved when we would talk about the red wings and other sports teams. I smiled everytime I got the notification that you’re calling or texting me. When I visited you for the first time at bama 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.”
Here is the latest on missing University of Alabama student James
GraceyThe Alabama student was alone at the time he was taken by the tides, just a few feet from the Japanese-themed club in the popular nightlife area of Barcelona, the footage revealed.
Gracey’s wallet, with his cash and other belongings inside, was found floating near his body.
His cellphone was found in a different person’s possession. Family stated that they were not sure whether the phone was lost or stolen from Gracey before his death.
While his death is considered likely accidental, investigators privately suspect he was under the influence of drugs, alcohol or both when he went into the water, a source told Fox News Digital.
The results of Gracey’s autopsy and toxicology report were pending Saturday, according to local police.
The 20-year-old Illinois-native spring breaker was last seen at 3 a.m. on March 17 after a night of partying at popular seaside nightclub Shoko Barcelona.
Surveillance video showed Gracey stumbling near the shore and falling into the water. His body was found on March 19th, outlet El Pais reported, citing authorities.