James “Weston” Higginbotham was found in mountainous terrain after vanishing May 29.
KYOTO, Japan — A weeklong search for Auburn University student James “Weston” Higginbotham ended Saturday when he was found dead in a mountainous area near Kyoto, his family said.
The 20-year-old Alabama student disappeared May 29 while traveling in Japan with relatives. His family said he had gone out alone near the Yamashina area, where police and volunteers later searched wooded slopes, trails and difficult ground. Officials had not released a cause of death.
Higginbotham’s disappearance drew attention in the United States and Japan as his family posted updates and asked for help. His mother, Nancy Higginbotham, said the support from strangers, friends and search volunteers had carried the family through the search. She said Weston had a deep love of nature and was comfortable outdoors.
Investigators used surveillance footage and phone location information to trace Higginbotham’s last known movements. He was seen near a train station in Yamashina, and his phone later stopped transmitting. His family reported him missing after he did not return and could not be reached.
Japanese authorities searched with police resources, while local volunteers and family members continued to press through wooded areas. The terrain included steep slopes and dense vegetation, making the search slow and physically difficult.
Auburn University described Higginbotham as a student in biosystems engineering and offered condolences to his family. No funeral details or final investigative findings had been announced Saturday.
Author note: Last updated June 6, 2026.