Missing US student found dead in Japan; cause unknown

The search for a missing American student in Japan has ended tragically with the discovery of his body. James “Weston” Higginbotham, a 20-year-old junior studying biosystems engineering at Auburn University, was found dead in a mountainous area near Kyoto on June 6, according to his family.

Authorities have not yet released the cause of death, and officials have not announced any indication of foul play. Higginbotham had been vacationing in Japan with his parents and younger brother to celebrate his brother's high school graduation. He disappeared on May 29 after separating from his family in the Kyoto area.

His mother, Nancy Higginbotham, shared the news of his discovery on Facebook, expressing profound grief. "The grief we feel is impossible to put into words," she wrote. "We are forever grateful for the time we had with our sweet, precious Weston, but cannot begin to understand what life without him will be like."

Reports indicate that surveillance footage showed Higginbotham arriving at Yamashina Station in Kyoto around 8:15 p.m. on the day he vanished. His mobile phone reportedly lost network connectivity shortly after, hindering tracking efforts. Investigators had suspected he might have headed towards the mountainous terrain popular with hikers.

Japanese authorities conducted a large-scale search involving police, helicopters, and K9 units, combing forests and mountain trails. The search was hampered by difficult terrain and severe weather, including heavy rain. Higginbotham's parents actively participated in the search, appealing for public assistance both in Japan and the United States, with support from Auburn University.

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The grief we feel is impossible to put into words. We are forever grateful for the time we had with our sweet, precious Weston, but cannot begin to understand what life without him will be like.