An Alabama scholar who went lacking in Japan whereas touring together with his household has been discovered useless, his mom stated in a Saturday, June 6, social media submit. It had been over per week since he was final seen.
James “Weston” Higginbotham was discovered by a volunteer search-and-rescue staff in a mountainous space exterior Kyoto, Japan, his mom Nancy Higginbotham stated.
“The grief we really feel is not possible to place into phrases,” she stated. “We’re endlessly grateful for the time we had with our candy, valuable Weston, however can’t start to know what life with out him can be like.”
The 20-year-old Auburn College scholar was final seen on Might 29 whereas the household was on a visit to have a good time his youthful brother’s highschool commencement, Nancy Higginbotham beforehand instructed USA TODAY. The household was supposed to go away Japan on June 4 however prolonged the journey since Higginbotham went lacking.
James “Weston” Higginbotham, 20, who went lacking in Kyoto, Japan, on Might 29, 2026.
A search effort was launched with native police sending helicopters and volunteer search groups throughout hilly terrain. Nancy Higginbotham beforehand stated her son might have been emotionally distressed and was an “skilled hiker.”
“We’re deeply grateful to the numerous individuals throughout america, Japan, and around the globe who shared Weston’s story, prayed for our household, supplied encouragement, and helped within the search efforts. The outpouring of kindness and help has carried us via the darkest days of our lives,” Nancy Higginbotham stated.
What occurred in Auburn scholar’s disappearance?
Higginbotham was final together with his household on Might 29 at about 6:30 p.m. native time after the household ate at a restaurant shortly after arriving in Kyoto. That they had been touring collectively for six days at that time, and determined to get some house, Nancy Higginbotham instructed USA TODAY.
He might have been distressed due to the prolonged journey and bickering, she stated. Whereas she went along with her husband and her youthful son to see a temple, Higginbotham stayed on the household’s lodge.
Beforehand: ‘Dwelling hell.’ Mom discusses Auburn scholar’s disappearance in Japan
Police decided Higginbotham acquired on a prepare and arrived at a station within the Yamashina space and misplaced cell sign at about 8:30 p.m. that day, his mom stated in posts on Fb. He headed towards mountaineering trails at that time, she stated.
The search included native authorities, and Alabama state Reps. Mike Shaw and Susan DuBose stated they have been in contact with the Honorary Consul Basic of Japan in Birmingham, Alabama, which studies to the Consulate Basic of Japan in Atlanta. Nancy Higginbotham shared updates in regards to the search on social media, and stated it concerned very steep, rugged terrain.
Higginbotham’s reason for dying was not revealed on June 6.
What occurred at present? We make the lengthy story brief on this snappy information roundup
(This story was up to date so as to add new data.)
Contributing: Saleen Martin and Anthony Thompson, USA TODAY
This text initially appeared on USA TODAY: Lacking scholar James ‘Weston’ Higginbotham discovered useless, mother says