James "Weston" Higginbotham, junior in biosystems engineering, was found dead outside of Kyoto, Japan, according to a statement posted Saturday by his mother, Nancy Higginbotham.
Nancy Higginbotham announced on June 6 at 11:40 p.m. Japan Standard Time that a volunteer search-and-rescue group discovered Weston Higginbotham dead in a mountainous region near Kyoto.
"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," Nancy Higginbotham said in a statement. "Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and support. We will need them now more than ever."
Weston Higginbotham was last seen on CCTV footage on May 29 around 8 p.m. JST, and his family reported him missing in the early morning hours the next day.
Police searched the area of Weston Higginbotham's last confirmed location for several days, transversing through steep, mountainous terrain, and were originally delayed by storms. Police were unable to locate him.
On June 5, the Higginbothams organized their own search-and-rescue and volunteer teams, looking for people with hiking experience. According to the family, the team began searching the Yamashina forests the next day, particularly the regions the police did not search.
No further details were released, and the family asked for privacy as they "begin to navigate this unimaginable loss."
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Jennifer Santiago, junior in political science and history, has been with The Auburn Plainsman since Fall 2024. Santiago previously served as a News Writer, Lifestyle Editor and Newsletter Editor. She is currently serving as the Content Editor.
