Family of Auburn student found dead in Japan launches effort to honor his memory
Weston Higginbotham's family encouraged mourners to "take a walk at a state park, eat a vegan meal this week, stop and admire the sunset."
Mason Reed 
The family of James “Weston” Higginbotham, an Auburn University student who tragically died while on a family vacation in Japan, is keeping his spirit alive through a new memorial scholarship. The 20-year-old was reported missing on May 29 following an argument during the trip and was found dead by a volunteer search-and-rescue team in a mountainous region near Kyoto on June 7.
Honoring a Passionate Advocate
While Japanese authorities have not disclosed the specific cause of death, Higginbotham's family is focused on celebrating his life of adventure and environmental advocacy. According to his obituary published on 205focus.com, loved ones have established the James “Weston” Higginbotham Endowed Scholarship to support students in ecological engineering at Auburn.
A funeral service for Higginbotham is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at Asbury United Methodist Church. In his memory, his family invites everyone to slow down, "take a walk at a state park, eat a vegan meal this week, stop and admire the sunset, tell those close to you how much you love them, and reduce the noise in your life.”
A Life Defined by Sustainability and Adventure
Described as having a charismatic smile that brightened every room, Weston was deeply devoted to sustainability. As a proud vegan and environmental enthusiast, he lived intentionally, rarely seen without his reusable fork and water bottle. His commitment to the planet extended to his academic pursuits; a graduate of Spain Park High School, he was a Biosystems Engineering major at Auburn who focused on energy consumption and sustainable solutions.
Beyond the classroom, Weston was a fearless explorer who thrived in the outdoors. Whether hiking the Swiss Alps and Yosemite or hitting jumps on his mountain bike, he served as his family’s trusted “adventure leader.” His dedication to service was equally apparent, as he was an active member of the climbing and triathlon teams, as well as Engineers Without Borders, with plans to assist in a water distribution project in Bolivia this August.
His family fondly remembers his unique vintage fashion sense and his close bond with his younger brother, Grayton. Weston’s legacy of kindness, curiosity, and environmental stewardship remains a testament to a life lived with deep purpose and genuine connection to the natural world.
