Search for Missing Auburn Student Ends Tragically

The family of James “Weston” Higginbotham, a 20-year-old Auburn University student who went missing during a family trip to Japan in late May, announced on Saturday that he has been found deceased.

Higginbotham’s mother, Nancy, shared the heartbreaking news in a Facebook statement, revealing that a volunteer search and rescue group discovered her son’s body in a mountainous region near Kyoto.

“Our family is heartbroken,” Nancy expressed, adding, “…words cannot convey the extent of our sadness.”

The family also extended their prayers and heartfelt thanks to everyone in the U.S., Japan, and beyond who participated in the search efforts. Nancy noted that the overwhelming kindness and support offered to them had helped during some of their darkest days, and she asked for privacy as they begin processing their loss.

“We are forever grateful for the time we spent with our sweet and precious Weston, but it’s difficult to imagine life without him,” she wrote. “…Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support. We need them now more than ever. We love you always, Weston.”

This update comes after an extensive investigation spanning multiple countries. The young hiker was last spotted on May 29 near Yamashina Station, just to the east of Kyoto, following a family disagreement that led to him being separated from his parents.

His parents had been able to monitor his location through the Life360 app, tracking him on a train close to a river before his phone’s signal abruptly ceased. Earlier in the week, the family had expressed hope for his safe return, mentioning that Weston was knowledgeable about foraging and seemed equipped to survive in challenging conditions.