A Hoover family searching for their missing son in Japan was lifted up in prayer and community support Tuesday night as friends, family members and supporters gathered for a vigil while search efforts continue overseas.
James “Weston” Higginbotham, a 20-year-old Auburn University student from Hoover, was last confirmed to be in the Kyoto area of Japan on May 29, according to posts his family shared on social media. Weston is an honors graduate of Spain Park High School and studies environmental engineering at Auburn.
His family said Weston’s last confirmed purchase was at a Kohnan hardware store in the Kyoto area, and his last known phone activity occurred the evening of May 29. His mother, Nancy Higginbotham, said he may have been traveling by train as search efforts continue.
Weston’s parents, Nancy and Keith Higginbotham, are currently in Japan searching for their son while the family was already overseas on a graduation trip for Weston’s younger brother.
The family shared a description of Weston in hopes someone may recognize him. He was last known to be wearing a white shirt with “Save the Bees” written on the back along with two bumblebees, lavender corduroy pants, and white Adidas shoes with black stripes. He was also carrying a shoulder bag featuring the state of Alabama.
The news outlet reported that Japanese police determined Weston last exited a train at Yamashina Station. His mother said he is also an experienced hiker, and the family has searched nearby wooded and hiking areas while asking the public for help in locating him.
Posts asking for help locating Weston have continued spreading across social media as supporters share information about the search.
In her social media post, Nancy Higginbotham asked people to remain compassionate as the family searches for answers.
“Please be kind. We are in our own living hell,” Nancy Higginbotham wrote in one social media post. “He is not detained from a night out partying. The police have confirmed this.”
As the search continues overseas, supporters across Alabama continue to share Weston’s information online and pray for his safe return home.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
