Barcelona, Spain – James Gracey, a 20-year-old University of Alabama student, was tragically found dead in the Mediterranean Sea after going missing during a spring break trip to Barcelona. His grieving girlfriend, Kenna Cohen, shared a heartbreaking tribute to him on TikTok Thursday, expressing her sorrow and gratitude for the last six months they spent together.
The Heartfelt Tribute
Kenna Cohen, a University of Georgia student, described James as the “most pure-hearted, sweet, devoted, and selfless soul” and expressed her deep sense of loss. “Forever in debt for having been lucky enough to be loved by the most pure-hearted, sweet, devoted and selfless soul,” she wrote in her emotional post. She added that although she wished she could rewind time, she was grateful to have witnessed the last six months of his life.
Cohen referred to James as a “blessing,” noting that every moment spent with him felt like “nothing less than that.” She posted a photo of Gracey, with the caption “Fly high my angel”, and also shared a video of him smiling on a cable car, with Cohen’s voice heard in the background asking him to send it to his mom.
The couple’s relationship began in the fall of 2025, and Cohen shared a montage of photos from their time together, including one from a Phi Mu fraternity graduation ball in November, where Gracey was dressed in a tuxedo.
The Tragic Incident in Barcelona
Gracey had traveled to Barcelona for spring break to visit friends. He was last seen leaving the Shoko nightclub around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, but failed to return to the Airbnb where he was staying, just two miles from the venue. Authorities later learned that Gracey had become separated from his group inside the club.
Catalan authorities initially suspected foul play after Gracey was seen leaving the club with an unidentified person. However, they later confirmed that his death appeared to be an accident. “Everything points to it being an accident, not a criminal act,” a police spokesperson said. An autopsy will be conducted, but the full results are expected to take several weeks.
Gracey’s body was discovered after investigators found his wallet floating in the sea off Somorrostro Beach, just a few hundred feet from the Shoko nightclub.
Family’s Heartbreak
Gracey’s family expressed their devastation at his untimely death, describing him as a beloved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend. In a statement, they 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.”
The Aftermath and Support
Kenna Cohen’s tribute and Gracey’s family’s statements highlight the deep love and loss felt by all who knew him. His untimely death has left many in shock and mourning.
