Missing 20-year-old college student from Alabama found dead in Japan: family
A 20-year-old Auburn University student from Alabama, James 'Weston' Higginbotham, was found dead in a mountainous area near Kyoto after disappearing on May 29 during a family vacation in Japan. His body was discovered by a volunteer search-and-rescue group, and authorities are investigating the circumstances while his family expressed gratitude for global support during the search.
A 20-year-old Alabama college student, James 'Weston' Higginbotham, was found deceased in a mountainous region near Kyoto, Japan, following a weeks-long search effort. Higginbotham, an Auburn University junior, vanished on May 29 while traveling with his family, with his last known location being Yamashina Station in Kyoto after separating from relatives. The search involved Japanese police, K-9 units, helicopters, and volunteers, including Higginbotham’s parents who actively participated. Severe weather, including a typhoon, complicated the operation, which spanned steep terrain. Higginbotham’s mother, Nancy, confirmed the discovery in a Facebook post, thanking global supporters for their assistance during the search. Authorities have not yet disclosed a cause of death, and the circumstances remain under investigation. Higginbotham’s family requested privacy as they mourn their loss, expressing gratitude for the worldwide outpouring of support during the search. The family had previously appealed for help after Higginbotham’s cellphone stopped transmitting location data shortly after he was last seen. His disappearance sparked a massive international effort, with media coverage and public appeals aiding the search.
This content was automatically generated and/or translated by AI. It may contain inaccuracies. Please refer to the original sources for verification.