World3 min(s) read
Published 11:04 09 Jun 2026 GMT
A days-long search in the Japanese mountains tragically concluded on Saturday (June 6), after the body of James “Weston” Higginbotham, 20, was discovered.
The American college student first vanished on May 29 after traveling to Kyoto's Yamashina Ward, where his family believes he may have gone to access the area's hiking trails.
In an investigation that also involved the FBI, it was found that the student, who had traveled to Japan with his parents just four days before his disappearance.
As reported by The New York Post, he was last seen in a white "Save the Bees" graphic T-shirt, lavender corduroy pants, and Adidas sneakers with black stripes, while carrying a tote bag with the outline of the state of Alabama.
The family believed that Weston, who was an experienced hiker, chose to take a quieter trail in the area, but now, police have provided a key update in the student's untimely passing.
Japanese police in Kyoto told CNN that Weston was found at around 2:35PM on Saturday by a volunteer search-and-rescue crew.
They also confirmed that no foul play is suspected and that they will not disclose the cause of death.
It should be noted that Japanese officials are culturally and legally guarded about investigative information.
Taking to social media, Weston's family penned in an emotional post: “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. The grief we feel is impossible to put into words.”
Weston's mother, Nancy, added: “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,
“We are deeply grateful to the countless people across the United States, Japan, and around the world who shared Weston’s story, prayed for our family, offered encouragement, and helped in the search efforts.
“The outpouring of kindness and support has carried us through the darkest days of our lives.
“We shared our story here and in the media in the hope of finding Weston. We now ask for privacy as we begin to navigate this unimaginable loss.”
Weston was believed to have been found in the heavily forested Higashiyama mountain range in the Yamashina Ward area, on the eastern border of Kyoto.
The student had a disagreement with his mom about the use of ChatGPT on the trip, and went into the woods to "blow off steam" while his family went to a temple.
Weston, a student at Alabama’s Auburn University, was left with around $62 on him and his phone battery at 34 per cent.
After leaving at around 6PM on Friday, May 29, his phone lost network at 8:29PM.
He would be reported missing to local authorities at 2AM, after his location had switched off and he failed to answer several calls and texts.
Police struggled to find the student at first, but with the help of several search parties, he was found roughly a week after going missing.
4 min(s) read
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us3 min(s) read
Published 11:35 07 Jun 2026 GMT
The final message sent by the friend of a missing college student who was found dead in Japan may share an insight into his final days.
As previously reported, James 'Weston' Higginbotham, 20, vanished on May 29 after traveling to Kyoto's Yamashina Ward, an area his family believes he may have visited to access nearby hiking trails.
He'd traveled to Japan with his parents, Nancy and Keith Higginbotham, on May 25 and was last seen wearing a white "Save the Bees" graphic T-shirt, lavender corduroy pants, and Adidas sneakers with black stripes, and carrying a tote bag featuring the outline of the state of Alabama, The New York Post reported.
Following his disappearance, his family stated that his phone location stopped updating after he got off a train in Yamashina Ward, believing that Weston, who they described as a very experienced hiker, may have intentionally headed toward a quiet trail in the area.
Weston was last spotted at Kyoto station at around 6PM on May 29 and remained missing for over a week as public appeals and searches took place, until he was tragically found deceased.
His mother, Nancy, confirmed the news, writing on Facebook: "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. The grief we feel is impossible to put into words.
"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.
"We are deeply grateful to the countless people across the United States, Japan, and around the world who shared Weston’s story, prayed for our family, offered encouragement, and helped in the search efforts.
"The outpouring of kindness and support has carried us through the darkest days of our lives."
Just days before Weston went missing, on May 22 the family had met up with his friend, Hiyu Shikari, who had recently relocated to Japan after going to school with Weston, and their last messages may shed light on the young man's final days.
Recalling the time they spent together to The US Sun, Hiyu shared: "We had such a great time at a restaurant in Shinjuku, which is in Tokyo.
"Right after that, I tried to contact him on how he was doing in Kyoto, because I was in Kyoto a couple of weeks ago, and also the typhoon was coming as I was kind of worried, and I messaged him, ‘How’s the trip going?’
“And that was after he went missing. And so I didn’t get any contact with him after I met him."
His final text to Weston read: "Good evening! How’s the stay going? Hopefully yall are having a good time in Kyoto! Lmk [Let me know] if you need me to recommend you any places [sic]."
It is not yet known if the message was ever successfully delivered to Weston's phone or if the young man ever read it.
Weston's cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
us3 min(s) read
Published 10:45 07 Jun 2026 GMT
The mother of a college student who was found dead after going missing on a family vacation in Japan has shared a heartbreaking message after his body was found.
As previously reported, James 'Weston' Higginbotham, 20, vanished on May 29 after traveling to Kyoto's Yamashina Ward, an area his family believes he may have visited to access nearby hiking trails.
He'd traveled to Japan with his parents, Nancy and Keith Higginbotham, on May 25 and was last seen wearing a white "Save the Bees" graphic T-shirt, lavender corduroy pants, and Adidas sneakers with black stripes, and carrying a tote bag featuring the outline of the state of Alabama, The New York Post reported.
Following his disappearance, his family stated that his phone location stopped updating after he got off a train in Yamashina Ward, believing that Weston, who they described as a very experienced hiker, may have intentionally headed toward a quiet trail in the area.
Tragically, Nancy shared a heartbreaking message to Facebook on June 6, confirming that Weston had been found dead.
She wrote: "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. The grief we feel is impossible to put into words.
"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."
She thanked those who helped in the search, saying: "We are deeply grateful to the countless people across the United States, Japan, and around the world who shared Weston’s story, prayed for our family, offered encouragement, and helped in the search efforts.
"The outpouring of kindness and support has carried us through the darkest days of our lives."
Weston's cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
CNN reports that Weston had gone exploring on his own after he and his mother butted heads over her use of ChatGPT.
Nancy told the outlet: "It’s not unusual for Weston to blow off steam, go into the woods and just explore.
"That’s his happy place. But it was unusual that he turned off his location."
Nancy also claimed that her use of an AI chatbot, ChatGPT, was "a sore subject" between her and her son.
She told CBS News: "I was using a little bit too much ChatGPT. Japan is a country that I've had a hard time navigating.
"Weston is very anti-AI because, you know, he's into sustainability engineering and AI uses a lot of water and is depleting a lot of water resources."
According to experts from the University of California, Riverside, using the chatbot for between ten and 50 queries consumes about two litres of water
Hours before his body was found, Nancy had stated that the family knew he was "out in these woods somewhere," but that the area is "very dense and the terrain is steep."
world3 min(s) read
Published 08:55 07 Jun 2026 GMT
After the body of a student who went missing while on a family holiday in Japan was found, his best friend has revealed the last text messages he sent.
Auburn University student, James 'Weston' Higginbotham, 20, had embarked on the trip of a lifetime, exploring Kyoto, with his family last month. He went missing one day after setting out alone to explore Japan’s mountainous region.
Weston was last spotted at Kyoto station at around 6PM on May 29. He remained missing for over a week as public appeals and searches took place.
Tragically, the young man’s mom, Nancy Higginbotham, shared an update no parent should ever have to write on June 6.
She wrote on Facebook: "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. The grief we feel is impossible to put into words.
"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."
Nancy continued the post, thanking those who partook in the search, saying: "We are deeply grateful to the countless people across the United States, Japan, and around the world who shared Weston’s story, prayed for our family, offered encouragement, and helped in the search efforts.
"The outpouring of kindness and support has carried us through the darkest days of our lives."
On May 22, just a few days before Weston went missing, he and his family met up with his friend Hiyu Shikari, who had recently relocated to Japan after going to school with Weston.
Recalling the time they spent together to The US Sun, Hiyu shared: "We had such a great time at a restaurant in Shinjuku, which is in Tokyo.
"Right after that, I tried to contact him on how he was doing in Kyoto, because I was in Kyoto a couple of weeks ago, and also the typhoon was coming as I was kind of worried, and I messaged him, ‘How’s the trip going?’
“And that was after he went missing. And so I didn’t get any contact with him after I met him."
His final text to Weston read: "Good evening! How’s the stay going? Hopefully yall are having a good time in Kyoto! Lmk [Let me know] if you need me to recommend you any places [sic]."
It is still unclear if the message was ever successfully delivered to Weston's phone.
Following the widespread media campaign to find Weston, since he has been declared deceased, the family has asked for privacy.
Weston’s mother ended her heartbreaking post announcing her son’s death with: "Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support. We will need them now more than ever.
"We will always love you, Weston."
us4 min(s) read
Published 11:50 04 Jun 2026 GMT
The parents of an Auburn University student who disappeared during a trip to Japan have issued an emotional plea for help.
James "Weston" Higginbotham, 20, vanished on Friday (May 29) after traveling to Kyoto's Yamashina Ward, an area his family believes he may have visited to access nearby hiking trails.
Now, his heartbroken parents, Nancy and Keith Higginbotham, are asking people around the world to keep sharing information about their son in the hope someone in the East Asian country recognizes him.
In a video message shared on Facebook, the couple thanked supporters for the outpouring of help they have received since their son went missing.
"We truly feel them," the mom said of the thoughts and prayers sent their way. "We do feel the love and the support that you guys have given us and that the community in Japan has given us as well."
The father stressed that public support has played a critical role in the search effort. "Every comment, every share, has led us all to where we are now," he said.
Nancy echoed that message, explaining why continued social media visibility remains so important.
"Every time that you guys repost on social media, it's an opportunity for somebody in Japan to see it," she said. "That is our ultimate goal: for people in Japan to see Weston's face so they can report back to us."
Keith added that he remains hopeful: "We're gonna find him because of everyone's help in posting and getting the word out, so we can find the person who is gonna find him."
Weston traveled to Japan with his family on May 25 and was last seen wearing a white "Save the Bees" graphic T-shirt, lavender corduroy pants, and Adidas sneakers with black stripes.
He was also carrying a tote bag featuring the outline of the state of Alabama, The New York Post reported.
According to his family, his phone location stopped updating after he got off a train in Yamashina Ward.
Nancy believes her son, described as a very experienced hiker, may have intentionally headed toward a quiet trail in the area.
In earlier social media posts, she emphasized the urgency of the situation. "He may be emotionally distressed, so this is urgent," she wrote.
The distraught mother also pushed back against online speculation about her son's disappearance.
"He is not detained from a [night] out partying," she wrote. "The police have confirmed this. Please, I beg you, be kind. I'm already in so much pain."
The search has faced difficult conditions. Nancy previously revealed that she and her husband tried to search the area themselves using flashlights and headlamps, but were forced to turn back.
"My husband and I went last night with flashlights and headlamps and didn't get too far because we weren't prepared for the wildlife we encountered," she wrote. "If anyone wants to join us after the storm, I would be grateful."
Authorities and volunteers have already searched areas north of Yamashina on foot and by helicopter, with additional search efforts expected to resume on Thursday.
Nancy has also urged members of the public not to share potential sightings online.
"If you see him, PLEASE DO NOT POST HIS EXACT LOCATION PUBLICLY. Please call local police immediately and then message me directly," she wrote.
As the search continues, the Higginbotham family has thanked multiple organizations and volunteers involved in the effort, including Japanese authorities, the FBI, the U.S. Embassy, the Alabama government, and members of the local community.
Alabama Representative Mike Shaw also confirmed he had been in contact with officials in Japan regarding the case.
"We understand that appropriate resources are engaged and searching for Weston," Shaw said in a statement.
For Nancy and Keith, however, the focus remains on bringing their son home safely.
"If you know Weston, you know what a great kid he is; he has a heart of gold," the mom said in the family's latest video message. "We all want him to come back safely."
world2 min(s) read
Published 10:19 07 Jun 2026 GMT
The mom of Auburn University student, James 'Weston' Higginbotham, 20, who was found dead in Japan after going missing on May 29, has revealed that she argued with her son over her use of AI before he went missing.
During a family holiday of a lifetime to Japan, Weston went missing after setting out alone to explore Kyoto’s mountainous region.
According to a heartbreaking Facebook post written by the student’s mom, Nancy Higginbotham, “Weston was found deceased by a volunteer search-and-rescue group in a mountainous area outside of Kyoto.”
Weston was last spotted at Kyoto station at around 6PM on May 29, after deciding not to attend a temple with the rest of his family and set out on an adventure alone.
After seeing his location on a family tracking app, his parents believe that he was on his way to a nearby trial as he was an avid hiker.
Weston remained missing for over a week as public appeals and searches took place.
It has now been revealed that the mother and son argued shortly before the 20-year-old went missing.
Higginbotham claimed that her use of an AI chatbot, ChatGPT, was "a sore subject" between her and her son.
She told CBS News: "I was using a little bit too much ChatGPT. Japan is a country that I've had a hard time navigating.
"Weston is very anti-AI because, you know, he's into sustainability engineering and AI uses a lot of water and is depleting a lot of water resources."
According to experts from the University of California, Riverside, using the chatbot for between ten and 50 queries consumes about two litres of water.
Tragically, the young man’s mom shared an update no parent should ever have to write on June 6.
She wrote on Facebook: "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. The grief we feel is impossible to put into words.
"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."
Nancy continued the post, thanking those who partook in the search, saying, "We are deeply grateful to the countless people across the United States, Japan, and around the world who shared Weston’s story, prayed for our family, offered encouragement, and helped in the search efforts.
"The outpouring of kindness and support has carried us through the darkest days of our lives."
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