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Auburn University Student Found Dead in Kyoto Mountains After Week-Long Search
A 20‑year‑old Auburn University student, James "Weston" Higginbotham, was discovered dead Saturday outside Kyoto, Japan, by volunteer search‑and‑rescue teams, ending a week‑long search that involved police, K‑9 units, helicopters and local residents.
Weston vanished on May 29 while the family was on vacation in Kyoto. After a disagreement with his mother over her use of the AI tool ChatGPT to plan the trip, he left his parents and brother to explore the city alone. Using the Life360 family‑tracking app, his parents saw him board a train, visit several stores, and then abruptly turn off the app—a change that was out of character for him. The last confirmed sighting was captured on a closed‑circuit television camera in the Yamashina ward, showing him walking alone toward a hiking trail.
Kyoto police began a search on June 2 following the CCTV footage. A storm that night, with heavy rain and strong winds, delayed the operation, and authorities voiced concern that Weston could have been in the mountains during the inclement weather. Over the next 72 hours the search expanded to more than 100 officers, K‑9 units and helicopters. By Friday, the police effort had reached a stand‑still without locating the student.
The Higginbotham family launched a separate search on Saturday, enlisting local residents and a hired search‑and‑rescue team to focus on forested areas that police had not covered. Volunteers found Weston's body at approximately 2:35 p.m. Saturday in a mountainous area outside Kyoto’s city limits. Police said no foul play was suspected and that they would not disclose a cause of death.
In a post on Facebook, the family expressed profound grief. "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 post read. The family thanked supporters for their prayers and kindness.
Weston was a native of Hoover, Alabama, and a junior at Auburn University studying sustainability engineering. His mother, Nancy Higginbotham, described him as an environmental advocate who had become vegan a year earlier. He loved hiking and traveling, often carrying a book about butterflies. "His goal in life is to travel…and go to all of these amazing mountains and places where he can embed himself in different cultures," she said.
Auburn University President Christopher Roberts issued a statement to CNN: "On behalf of Auburn University, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of James ‘Weston’ Higginbotham, who died while traveling in Japan. The Auburn Family mourns this heartbreaking loss and holds Weston’s family, friends and loved ones close in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time."
Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis posted on social media that the community was heartbroken and that residents had gathered in prayer for Weston's safe return. "Weston was a young man of remarkable character who touched everyone who knew him," Derzis wrote.
U.S. Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville also expressed their sorrow on social media, urging prayers for the family. State Representative Susan DuBose noted that the communities of Greystone, Hoover, North Shelby County and beyond had been praying for the family.
The cause of Weston's death remains unknown. Police have not released details, and no foul play has been suspected. The family and university community await further information from authorities.
The incident highlights the risks that travelers face when venturing into remote mountainous terrain, especially during inclement weather. It also underscores the importance of family tracking tools like Life360, which can alert relatives to sudden changes in a loved one’s location.
Weston’s body was recovered by volunteers, and the family has expressed gratitude for the support they received from the public and from the search teams. The community continues to mourn the loss of a young man who was passionate about the environment and eager to explore the world.
The investigation into the circumstances of Weston's death is ongoing. The family and Auburn University await official statements from Japanese authorities regarding the cause of death and any potential contributing factors.
The story remains a tragic reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring bonds of family and community in times of loss.
Weston vanished on May 29 while the family was on vacation in Kyoto. After a disagreement with his mother over her use of the AI tool ChatGPT to plan the trip, he left his parents and brother to explore the city alone. Using the Life360 family‑tracking app, his parents saw him board a train, visit several stores, and then abruptly turn off the app—a change that was out of character for him. The last confirmed sighting was captured on a closed‑circuit television camera in the Yamashina ward, showing him walking alone toward a hiking trail.
Kyoto police began a search on June 2 following the CCTV footage. A storm that night, with heavy rain and strong winds, delayed the operation, and authorities voiced concern that Weston could have been in the mountains during the inclement weather. Over the next 72 hours the search expanded to more than 100 officers, K‑9 units and helicopters. By Friday, the police effort had reached a stand‑still without locating the student.
The Higginbotham family launched a separate search on Saturday, enlisting local residents and a hired search‑and‑rescue team to focus on forested areas that police had not covered. Volunteers found Weston's body at approximately 2:35 p.m. Saturday in a mountainous area outside Kyoto’s city limits. Police said no foul play was suspected and that they would not disclose a cause of death.
In a post on Facebook, the family expressed profound grief. "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 post read. The family thanked supporters for their prayers and kindness.
Weston was a native of Hoover, Alabama, and a junior at Auburn University studying sustainability engineering. His mother, Nancy Higginbotham, described him as an environmental advocate who had become vegan a year earlier. He loved hiking and traveling, often carrying a book about butterflies. "His goal in life is to travel…and go to all of these amazing mountains and places where he can embed himself in different cultures," she said.
Auburn University President Christopher Roberts issued a statement to CNN: "On behalf of Auburn University, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of James ‘Weston’ Higginbotham, who died while traveling in Japan. The Auburn Family mourns this heartbreaking loss and holds Weston’s family, friends and loved ones close in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time."
Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis posted on social media that the community was heartbroken and that residents had gathered in prayer for Weston's safe return. "Weston was a young man of remarkable character who touched everyone who knew him," Derzis wrote.
U.S. Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville also expressed their sorrow on social media, urging prayers for the family. State Representative Susan DuBose noted that the communities of Greystone, Hoover, North Shelby County and beyond had been praying for the family.
The cause of Weston's death remains unknown. Police have not released details, and no foul play has been suspected. The family and university community await further information from authorities.
The incident highlights the risks that travelers face when venturing into remote mountainous terrain, especially during inclement weather. It also underscores the importance of family tracking tools like Life360, which can alert relatives to sudden changes in a loved one’s location.
Weston’s body was recovered by volunteers, and the family has expressed gratitude for the support they received from the public and from the search teams. The community continues to mourn the loss of a young man who was passionate about the environment and eager to explore the world.
The investigation into the circumstances of Weston's death is ongoing. The family and Auburn University await official statements from Japanese authorities regarding the cause of death and any potential contributing factors.
The story remains a tragic reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring bonds of family and community in times of loss.
