Alabama college student found dead in Japan after days-long search

The family of James “Weston” Higginbotham, a 20-year-old Auburn University student who went missing during a family vacation in Japan, has shared the heartbreaking news that he has been found dead.

A Difficult Search Ends in Tragedy

Higginbotham was reported missing on May 29, 2026, while traveling with his family in Japan to celebrate his younger brother Grayton’s graduation. Following an exhaustive search, his mother, Nancy Higginbotham, confirmed on Facebook that a volunteer search-and-rescue group discovered his body in a mountainous area outside of Kyoto.

“The grief we feel is impossible to put into words,” Nancy Higginbotham wrote. “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.”

Remembering Weston

An honors graduate of Spain Park High School in Hoover, Higginbotham was pursuing a degree in environmental engineering at Auburn University. His mother described him as an "excellent student, very well-travelled and an excellent navigator."

During the search, investigators had determined that Higginbotham was last seen exiting a train at Yamashina station. Despite a massive effort involving 50 Japanese police officers, tracking dogs, helicopters, and local volunteers, he was not recovered alive.

Community and State Support

The effort to bring Weston home was supported by a global outpouring of concern, including a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $56,000. In Alabama, state officials including Rep. Mike Shaw and Rep. Susan DuBose worked to coordinate with the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta, while Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis offered his prayers for the family.

“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,” Higginbotham said. “The outpouring of kindness and support has carried us through the darkest days of our lives.”

The family has requested privacy as they navigate this difficult time. “Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and support. We will need them now more than ever. We will always love you, Weston.”