The search for missing Auburn University student James “Weston” Higginbotham has ended in tragedy.
Weston’s parents announced Saturday that the 20-year-old Hoover native and Auburn student was found dead in a mountainous area outside Kyoto, Japan, after a weeklong search that drew support from volunteers, search teams and thousands of people across Alabama and around the world.
According to the family, his body was discovered by a volunteer search-and-rescue team assisting in the effort to locate him.
In a Facebook post Saturday morning, Weston’s mother, Nancy Higginbotham, shared the heartbreaking news and reflected on the overwhelming support the family received throughout the search.
“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,” she wrote. “The grief we feel is impossible to put into words.”
Nancy Higginbotham said the family is grateful for the time they had with their son and thanked the countless people who shared his story, offered prayers and encouragement, and helped in the search effort.
“The outpouring of kindness and support has carried us through the darkest days of our lives,” she wrote.
The search for Weston captured widespread attention across Alabama after he disappeared May 29 while visiting Japan with his family. As news of his disappearance spread, supporters across the state shared social media posts, organized prayer efforts and worked to bring attention to the search.
A prayer vigil held in Hoover brought together family members, friends and community supporters who gathered to pray for Weston’s safe return. The search effort drew attention well beyond Alabama, with supporters across the country and in Japan sharing information and offering assistance.
Search efforts in Japan included law enforcement personnel, volunteer search-and-rescue teams and community members who assisted in efforts to locate the missing student. According to CNN, a 72-hour police search of the mountainous area involved more than 100 officers, K-9 teams and helicopters.
The Hoover native was a graduate of Spain Park High School and a junior studying sustainability engineering at Auburn University. Family members described Weston as an avid traveler and outdoorsman who loved hiking, exploring nature and learning about different cultures.
Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis said the loss has been felt throughout the city, where many residents had followed the search and joined in prayer efforts over the past week.
“Weston was a young man of remarkable character,” Derzis said. “A Hoover native, a Spain Park High School graduate, and an Auburn University student, he had a deep love for the outdoors and the world around him. He touched everyone who knew him.”
Derzis said Hoover residents came together in prayer and hope for Weston’s safe return and extended condolences on behalf of the city to the Higginbotham family and their friends.
Auburn University President Christopher Roberts also expressed condolences following news of Weston’s death.
“On behalf of Auburn University, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of James ‘Weston’ Higginbotham, who died while traveling in Japan,” Roberts said in a statement provided to CNN. “The Auburn Family mourns this heartbreaking loss and holds Weston’s family, friends and loved ones close in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.”
Nancy Higginbotham said the family shared Weston’s story publicly and worked with media outlets in hopes of finding him.
As the family begins to mourn, Nancy Higginbotham said they are asking for privacy while remembering the son they described as “sweet” and “precious.”
“We now ask for privacy as we begin to navigate this unimaginable loss,” she wrote. “Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support. We will need them now more than ever. We will always love you, Weston.”
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
