Auburn student’s death in Japan ‘tragedy felt across our entire community’

The Alabama community is mourning the loss of James “Weston” Higginbotham, a 20-year-old Auburn University student who was found deceased in Japan following an extensive search.

Weston, an environmental engineering major and an honors graduate of Spain Park High School in Hoover, had been reported missing on May 29 while on a family vacation. His mother, Nancy Higginbotham, confirmed the heartbreaking news on Saturday that her son was located in a mountainous region near Kyoto by a volunteer search-and-rescue team.

A Community in Mourning

Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis expressed deep sorrow, labeling the loss as a tragedy felt across our entire community. The Mayor extended his condolences to the Higginbotham family—Keith, Nancy, and Grayton—while reflecting on how Hoover residents had unified in prayer during the search efforts.

"The grief we feel is impossible to put into words," Nancy Higginbotham shared on Facebook. She expressed her gratitude for the global support received throughout the ordeal, stating that the outpouring of kindness helped the family through their darkest moments.

Global Search Efforts

The search mission in Japan was a massive undertaking, with Nancy Higginbotham noting that local authorities deployed 50 officers alongside helicopters and tracking dogs. Furthermore, a GoFundMe initiative successfully raised over $56,000 to assist with the search logistics.

In the wake of the news, state leaders, including Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville, took to social media to offer their condolences to the family. The Hoover community previously held a prayer vigil for Weston, and his memory continues to be honored as his loved ones navigate this difficult loss.