Authorities in Barcelona, Spain on Thursday confirmed 20-year-old James “Jimmy” Gracey, a University of Alabama student who had been missing, was tragically found dead

“This afternoon we have located a body without life in the Somorrostro area of Barcelona and we are making arrangements to identify it,” the Catalan police force announced in a statement.  The body was later identified as Gracey’s after reports surfaced that it matched the description.

The body was found in the waters off the beaches of Barcelona near Port Olímpic by the dive team, according to La Vanguardia. The newspaper is also reporting that Gracey’s father has been notified and foul play has been ruled out.

“We are so grateful for the kindness and concern that has been shown for our family during this incredibly difficult time,” the family said in a statement on Thursday. “We have made the decision to pause media interviews at this time to focus on being together and caring for one another. Thank you for respecting our privacy and holding our family in your thoughts and prayers. We will share updates if and when we’re able.

Gracey, a junior at the University of Alabama from Elmhurst, Illinois, arrived in Barcelona on Tuesday, March 17 as part of a spring break trip to visit friends who were studying abroad.

He was last seen around 3 a.m. on March 17 outside the Shôko nightclub, a beachfront venue in the Port Olímpic area near Barceloneta Beach. A friend who had been with him left the club, but Gracey did not return to the group’s short-term rental.

He was then reported missing after failing to check in.

His mother, Therese Gracey, stated in a Facebook post that he “was last seen by his friend at Shoko around 3 am. The friend was leaving but Jimmy stayed.” She also confirmed that police recovered his cellphone, which she said had been stolen.

Gracey’s wallet was later discovered floating in the water not far from where he was last seen. His body was recovered not far from that area a few hours later.Gracey was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity at the University of Alabama, where he served as chaplain of the executive board and philanthropy chairman. “He’s a great person, he’s a great guy, a man of upstanding character. He’s one of those people that’s there for anyone when they ever need it,” said Cavin McLay, one of Gracey’s fraternity brothers, while the search was ongoing