An Illinois family is asking the public for help and more information following the disappearance of their 20-year-old son, who was on a spring break trip to Spain when he went missing.
The family of James "Jimmy" Gracey told ABC News they are spreading the word in hopes of finding the University of Alabama junior, who is from Elmhurst, Illinois, and was visiting with friends studying abroad in Barcelona when he was reported missing.
According to the Mossos d'Esquadra, the police force in Catalonia, a student was last seen in the Vila Olimpica area of Barcelona on Tuesday morning at about 3 a.m. Mossos officials said maritime police are searching near the water and a helicopter has been dispatched to assist with the search.
Police said there was no indication of any criminal involvement at this stage.
Guardia Urbana, the police force in Barcelona, is also involved in the investigation and said they are considering all leads.
In a statement to ABC News on Wednesday, the Gracey family said they were "deeply concerned" about their son.
"Jimmy is a kind, responsible, and devoted son and brother. It is completely out of character for him not to check in with family and friends," they said. "We are working closely with local authorities and are incredibly grateful for the support we have received. We ask that you keep Jimmy in your thoughts as we continue to do everything we can to bring him home safely. Thank you."
The family said that Gracey is about 6 feet, 1 inch and 175 pounds. They said a friend last saw him outside of Shoko, a club in the area of Vila Olimpica on the Barceloneta Beach, around 3 a.m. local time. He was wearing a white shirt, dark pants ("likely joggers," according to the family) and a gold rhinestone cross on a chain at the time.
David Gracey, Jimmy Gracey's uncle, told ABC News on Wednesday that his nephew is the oldest of five siblings and is "very responsible," so when the family heard he was missing, they were surprised.
"Jimmy always checked in with his family, always was very good about staying in touch and being very responsible, so we're kind of all a little shocked of what's going on right now," David Gracey said, adding that he is "shocked that something like this could happen."
David Gracey described his nephew as an "avid" hockey player and a "very sweet kid, very kind," saying he "comes from a large family."
"Everybody loved Jimmy. Everybody gravitated to Jimmy," he said.
David Gracey said the investigation into his nephew's disappearance is ongoing, and his brother, Jimmy Gracey's father Taras Gracey, flew to Spain overnight to meet with authorities.
ABC News attempted to reach out to Jimmy Gracey's parents for comment but was unsuccessful.
David Gracey said his family is now "just trying to get answers [and] spread awareness."
"We got to get the story out there, and hopefully someone has some information that can help us find him," he said.
The Gracey family is asking anyone with information to call a tip-line set up for Jimmy Gracey at 224-505-3886.
