'Our family is heartbroken': Mother grieves after Auburn student found dead in Japan

KYOTO, JAPAN: The family of Auburn University student James “Weston” Higginbotham has spoken publicly after the 20-year-old was found dead in Japan following a days-long search. Weston disappeared near Kyoto on May 29 while traveling with his family on a graduation trip.

His body was later discovered in a mountainous area outside the city by a volunteer search-and-rescue group. His family confirmed the news on Saturday, June 6, and requested privacy as they mourn their loss.

Family mourns Weston Higginbotham's death in Japan

Announcing her son's death, Nancy Higginbotham described the family's devastation and expressed gratitude to those who participated in the search efforts or offered support during the ordeal. “Our family is heartbroken,” she wrote. “The grief we feel is impossible to put into words.”

She thanked the many people across the United States, Japan, and around the world who shared Weston’s story, prayed for the family, and assisted in efforts to locate him. “The outpouring of kindness and support has carried us through the darkest days of our lives,” Nancy wrote.

The family did not disclose a cause of death. In her statement, Nancy asked for privacy as relatives begin processing the loss. “Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support. We will need them now more than ever,” she wrote. “We will always love you, Weston.”

“We are forever grateful for the time we had with our sweet, precious Weston, but cannot begin to understand what life without him will be like,” his mother wrote.

Weston was a junior studying biosystems engineering at Auburn University in Alabama. Family members described him as an experienced hiker who enjoyed spending time outdoors and exploring nature.

Japanese authorities launched massive search operation

Weston was last seen on May 29 in the Kyoto area after becoming separated from his family.

Authorities later identified Yamashina, east of Kyoto, as the location where he was last captured on surveillance footage after exiting a train.

According to previous statements from his family, the Higginbothams had been vacationing in Japan since May 25 to celebrate the graduation of Weston’s younger brother. Nancy Higginbotham told media outlets that Weston left on his own following a family disagreement and may have been emotionally distressed at the time.

As concern grew, Japanese authorities launched a large-scale search operation involving police officers, K9 teams, and helicopters.

Search efforts focused on wooded and mountainous terrain outside Yamashina. The operation was complicated by severe weather, including a typhoon that brought heavy rain, muddy conditions, and poor visibility to the region.

Nancy previously described the challenging conditions, saying she and her husband had conducted nighttime searches with flashlights and headlamps while navigating wildlife and rugged terrain.

The search ultimately ended when a volunteer rescue team located Weston’s remains in a mountainous area outside Kyoto. His death brings a tragic conclusion to an international search that drew widespread attention and support from both Japan and the United States.