James Weston Higginbotham: 5 things to know as missing Auburn University student found dead in Japan
An Auburn University student, who was reported missing during a family vacation in Japan, has been found deceased.
The family confirmed in a Facebook post on Saturday that 20-year-old James “Weston” Higginbotham was discovered dead by a volunteer search-and-rescue team in a mountainous region near Kyoto.
“The grief we feel is impossible to put into words,” his mother, Nancy Higginbotham, stated.
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James Weston Higginbotham found dead: 5 things to know
- According to Higginbotham’s family, he ventured out to explore alone on May 29, and there were no indications of his whereabouts following that date.
- Authorities suspected he ventured out to investigate nearby hiking paths and disabled his GPS.
- Extensive search teams scoured the area for him over the course of the week.
- Nancy Higginbotham mentioned that the family journeyed to Japan to commemorate one of their children achieving straight A’s during high school.
- The mother of the 20-year-old said that the family appreciates the moments they shared with Weston but struggles to comprehend what life will entail without him.
James Weston Higginbotham’s devastating family shares heartfelt message
In a Facebook post, the Higginbotham family expressed their gratitude to everyone for their assistance and support.
“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.
“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.
“Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support. We will need them now more than ever.
“We will always love you, Weston.”