TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) – A Mass in memory of University of Alabama student Jimmy Gracey, who died while visiting Spain during spring break, will be held Monday evening, March 23.
The Memorial Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi University Parish at 6 p.m.
On Monday morning, students returned to class at the UA campus following Gracey’s death.
School officials said counseling was made available for anyone who needed it.
The UA campus in Tuscaloosa is like a small city with some 40,000 students, so not everyone knows one another, but everyone feels it when a student dies – regardless of circumstances.
“I first heard the news last week,” said senior Chris Nelson.
Nelson didn’t personally know Gracey, but still felt the pain of loss as a fellow student at the university.
Nelson’s aunt alerted him to the news that Gracey died in Barcelona, Spain, last week while visiting friends.
Authorities there say they found Gracey’s body in the sea, not far from the nightclub he was last seen. There is no official word on what happened.
“It’s very shocking especially he was around the same age as me, he was just out on spring break trying to have a great time and very heartbreaking,” said Nelson.
Beyond heartbreaking for Shane Stencel.
“It’s one of those realities of life you don’t want to think about,” said Stencel.
Much like Chris Nelson, Stencel didn’t know Gracey, but says he might’ve seen him once or twice in downtown Tuscaloosa where Stencel works.
Gracey’s death at such a young age drove it home for Shane Stencel – live fully. Afterall, we all just have one shot at life. Gracey was only 20 years old.
“You don’t want to not live in the correct way or be scared to do that because of that. Still go out, do things and try things. It shouldn’t slow you down, but it does show you there are risk factors,” said Stencel.
“I can’t imagine what his parents and family are going through and friends. It seemed like to me he had everything going for him,” said Tuscaloosa city council president Kip Tyner.
Jimmy Gracey did, according to the family – an accounting major, a member of a campus fraternity, well-connected, and well loved.
Theta Chi fraternity will host a gathering Tuesday night at 7 p.m. for people to share stories about Gracey’s faith, life, and legacy.
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