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 while on a family vacation in Japan, has announced the heartbreaking news that he has been found dead.

Higginbotham had been the subject of an intensive search since being reported missing on May 29, 2026. His parents, Nancy and Keith Higginbotham, worked alongside Japanese authorities to locate him during the ordeal.

A Community in Mourning

“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,” Nancy Higginbotham posted to Facebook.

“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 added.

Remembering Weston

Higginbotham was an honors graduate of Spain Park High School in Hoover and was currently pursuing a degree in environmental engineering at Auburn. Described by his mother as an excellent student, a dedicated vegan, and a talented navigator, Weston was known for being well-traveled and having a bright future ahead of him, as noted by his mother.

The family had traveled to Japan to celebrate a graduation trip for Weston’s younger brother, Grayton.

The Search Efforts

In the days leading up to this discovery, police determined that Weston was last seen exiting a train at Yamashina station. His mother had shared specific details about his appearance to assist in the search, noting he was wearing a “Save the Bees” t-shirt, lavender corduroy pants, and worn-in Adidas sneakers while carrying a bag depicting the state of Alabama. Unfortunately, his phone location services were not active.

The search effort saw significant mobilization from Japanese police, who deployed 50 officers along with helicopters and tracking dogs. Volunteers also joined the massive effort to find him.

Global Support

The international search effort garnered immense support. More than $56,000 was raised through GoFundMe to assist the family. Additionally, state and local officials, including State Reps. Mike Shaw and Susan DuBose, as well as Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis, rallied behind the family during the search.

“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.”

As the family prepares to navigate this loss, they have requested privacy. “Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and support. We will need them now more than ever. We will always love you, Weston.”