The brother of James “Jimmy” Gracey, the missing college student who was found dead in Spain while on spring break earlier this month, is speaking out.

Authorities said the body of the 20-year-old University of Alabama student was pulled from the water off of Somorrostro beach in Barcelona on Thursday, March 19, two days after he was reported missing.

According to his family, Gracey vanished after a night out with friends during spring break, and security camera footage showed him alone and walking toward docks before he fell into the water, according to El País.

Although police are still awaiting the final autopsy and toxicology report, a spokesperson previously told PEOPLE that everything “points to James Gracey having suffered an accidental death.”

In an Instagram post shared on Friday, March 19, Jimmy’s brother, Tommy Gracey, paid tribute to his “beautiful big brother,” who “always tried to put a smile on everyone’s face.”

“I don’t know what to say or how to deal with this. I can’t believe it,” Tommy wrote. “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.”

Jimmy was a former student at Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago, according to CBS affiliate WBBM-TV. In his post, Tommy said his brother helped him fall in love with their hockey program — and said he smiled every time he received a text message, phone call or notification from his older brother.

As the tribute continued, Tommy said he’s not sure “how to get through this” tragedy.

“Your courage for all of us was inspiring,” he wrote, adding, “I can’t say goodbye yet. I would do anything to have just one more conversation with you.”

“I just can’t believe that’s all over,” he concluded. “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.”

In a separate statement, which was previously obtained by PEOPLE, Jimmy’s family said they were “heartbroken” by the news of his death.

“Our family is struggling to come to terms with this unimaginable loss,” they wrote. “We are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from people around the world – so many helped to share Jimmy’s story and bring his life to light so that others may know him.”

His family went on to say they “sincerely appreciate the continued support and coordination of the local authorities and the U.S. Consulate as we work to better understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.”

“As we navigate this painful time,” they continued, “we kindly ask for privacy so that we may grieve together and begin to process his loss as a family.”