The family of an Auburn University student who disappeared during a trip to Japan has confirmed the heartbreaking outcome of a week-long search that drew support from both local volunteers and people around the world.
James “Weston” Higginbotham, 20, was found deceased in a mountainous area outside Kyoto, according to a statement shared Saturday by his mother, Nancy Higginbotham.
The discovery was made by a volunteer search-and-rescue group following days of coordinated efforts involving family members, local authorities, and volunteers.
“Our family is heartbroken to share that Weston was found deceased by a volunteer search-and-rescue group in a mountainous area outside of Kyoto,” Nancy Higginbotham wrote on Facebook. “The grief we feel is impossible to put into words.”
The family did not provide details about the circumstances surrounding his death, and no cause of death has been publicly released.
Search spanned days across difficult terrain
Weston had traveled to Japan with his family to celebrate his younger brother Grayson’s high school graduation. During the trip, he became separated from his family on May 29 while they were visiting Kyoto.
His mother previously told Fox News that the family had been “bickering” before deciding to spend some time apart.
According to Nancy Higginbotham, her son often enjoyed spending time outdoors and exploring nature on his own. She described hiking and being on trails as his “happy place.”
After realizing he was missing, the family used the Life360 tracking app to follow portions of his movements. Nancy said the app showed Weston near a river, visiting several stores and later boarding a local train.
His location eventually disappeared.
Surveillance footage later showed Weston getting off a train near Yamashina Station, east of Kyoto. Investigators and volunteers subsequently focused significant search efforts in the surrounding mountainous region.
The search included police officers, K9 units, helicopters, volunteer groups, and family members determined to find the missing college student.
In social media updates shared during the search, Weston’s parents described the rugged terrain and the challenges faced by those combing through the heavily wooded area.
Nancy Higginbotham said volunteers planned to search locations that had not previously been covered after police concluded portions of their ground search.
Family thanks supporters around the world
Throughout the search, Weston’s family regularly posted updates and appealed for help, hoping that increased awareness would generate new leads.
His parents expressed gratitude to people in both the United States and Japan who shared information, offered prayers, and supported the search effort.
Following the discovery of his body, Nancy said the support received from strangers had helped carry the family through an unimaginable ordeal.
“We are forever grateful for the time we had with our sweet, precious Weston, but cannot begin to understand what life without him will be like,” she wrote.
The family also thanked the countless individuals who shared Weston’s story and assisted in the search, saying the kindness they received provided strength during the darkest days of their lives.
As they begin mourning the loss of their son, the Higginbothams have asked for privacy while they navigate the tragedy.
“We will always love you, Weston,” his mother wrote.
