An American college student who went missing in Japan has been found dead, his mother announced on Saturday. James “Weston” Higginbotham, a 20-year-old Auburn University engineering student, had been missing since May 29.
Weston was last seen leaving the Yamashina train station in Kyoto, where his parents believe he may have been headed to a nearby hiking trail. His parents had been searching for him, and the Japanese police had conducted a thorough search of the area with over 100 officers, K9 dogs, and helicopters.
Missing in Japan
Before he disappeared, Weston had argued with his mother over her use of a technology tool on their vacation. His mother, Nancy Higginbotham, said she had been using the tool to navigate Japan, but Weston was opposed to it due to its environmental impact.
Weston’s parents had been visiting temples in Kyoto with his brother, but he decided to stay behind. When they saw his location move on a family tracking app that evening, they texted him but didn’t receive an answer.
The family had hired a professional search and rescue crew in Japan, which was expected to cost over $100,000. Despite the Japanese police suspending their search, Weston’s parents were determined to find him and had said they wouldn’t leave Japan without their son.
Search and Rescue Efforts
The family’s search efforts were driven by their fear that Weston may have gotten hurt or lost in the dense Japanese mountains. Nancy Higginbotham had expressed concern that her son may not have had enough food, despite the availability of water in the area.
Weston’s father, Keith Higginbotham, had said that they had complete confidence that they would find their son. The family’s determination and love for Weston were evident in their relentless search efforts.
