The discovery ended a weeklong international search involving police, volunteers and the student’s family.
KYOTO, Japan — James “Weston” Higginbotham, a 20-year-old Auburn University student from Alabama who disappeared during a family trip to Japan, was found dead in a mountainous area outside Kyoto on June 6, ending an intensive search that drew attention in both Japan and the United States.
Higginbotham’s death came after days of search efforts involving Japanese authorities, volunteer rescue teams and family members who traveled through difficult terrain in hopes of locating him. The Auburn junior had been missing since May 29 after separating from his family while visiting Kyoto. Officials have not publicly released a cause of death, and investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding what happened in the days before his body was discovered.
According to information shared by his family, Higginbotham was traveling in Japan with his parents and younger brother during a vacation that included stops in Tokyo and Kyoto. The trip was intended in part to celebrate his brother’s recent high school graduation. On May 29, Higginbotham separated from relatives while they were visiting sites in Kyoto and decided to spend time exploring on his own. Family members later said that was not unusual behavior for him because he often enjoyed hiking and spending time outdoors. Surveillance footage reviewed during the search showed him exiting a train in Kyoto’s Yamashina area, east of the city center. Investigators spent days reviewing camera footage and tracing his movements. His phone activity stopped later that evening, prompting growing concern among relatives and authorities. As hours turned into days without contact, the search expanded into nearby wooded and mountainous areas where family members believed he may have gone hiking.
Japanese police devoted significant resources to the effort. Search teams used officers, helicopters and K9 units to examine rugged sections of the Yamashina region. Authorities also reviewed extensive CCTV footage from transportation hubs and surrounding areas. Family updates described steep slopes, dense vegetation and muddy conditions that complicated rescue operations. A typhoon that moved through the region during the search period further hindered efforts by creating hazardous terrain and limiting visibility. Higginbotham’s mother, Nancy Higginbotham, said the family remained convinced he was somewhere in the wooded mountains surrounding Kyoto. As official search operations shifted and narrowed, volunteers joined family members in covering additional ground. The volunteer search-and-rescue group that ultimately located Higginbotham found his body in a mountainous area outside Kyoto. Officials have not publicly disclosed where within the region the discovery occurred, nor have they announced whether foul play is suspected. Those questions remain unanswered as investigators continue their work.
Higginbotham’s disappearance attracted widespread attention because of both the international setting and the extensive public effort to find him. Auburn University acknowledged the situation during the search and expressed concern for the student and his family. Friends, classmates and supporters shared missing-person notices across social media platforms in the United States and Japan. Family members posted regular updates while coordinating with authorities and volunteers. Reports from those close to Higginbotham described him as an experienced outdoorsman who enjoyed hiking and exploring nature. Relatives repeatedly said his decision to spend time alone outdoors was not unusual, which initially complicated efforts to determine whether he was lost, injured or facing some other emergency. The search also highlighted the challenges of locating a missing person in heavily forested mountain terrain where weather conditions can change rapidly and communication signals may be limited.
The legal and investigative process now shifts from search efforts to determining how Higginbotham died. Japanese authorities have not publicly announced preliminary findings regarding the cause or manner of death. It is unclear whether an autopsy has been completed or when official conclusions might be released. Investigators are expected to continue reviewing physical evidence, location data and witness information gathered during the search. The absence of publicly available findings has left many questions unresolved, including whether Higginbotham suffered a medical emergency, became lost in the mountainous terrain or encountered another circumstance that contributed to his death. Family members have not indicated that they possess additional information about what occurred after his final confirmed sighting. Any future announcements are expected to come through Japanese authorities or family representatives once investigative procedures are completed.
In statements shared publicly after the discovery, Higginbotham’s family expressed profound grief while thanking those who assisted in the search. Nancy Higginbotham said the family was “forever grateful” for the time they had with Weston and thanked people around the world who shared information, offered support and participated in search efforts. Friends also remembered him as thoughtful, curious and deeply interested in the outdoors. Those who knew him described a young man who enjoyed discussing technology, current events and environmental issues. The extensive response to his disappearance reflected the connections he had built through family, school and friendships. Volunteers who joined the search worked alongside local residents and officials despite difficult conditions, helping sustain efforts after days of uncertainty. The family’s public messages emphasized appreciation for that support while also requesting privacy as they begin mourning the loss.
The case remains under investigation. Authorities have confirmed only that Higginbotham was found deceased in a mountainous area outside Kyoto on June 6. Additional findings, including the cause of death and any investigative conclusions, are expected to be released after official reviews are completed.
Author note: Last updated June 7, 2026.