Weston was reportedly in “decompression” mode when he disappeared while walking.
Published June 11, 2026, 2:00 PM ET
The mystery of what happened to the student Weston Higginbotham has been resolved. Weston went missing on May 29, 2026 while in Yamashina, Kyoto, Japan. According to NBC Newsthe student disappeared from his hotel after arguing with his parents about AI. He reportedly went for a walk to decompress, and was last seen near the mountains and forest near Kyoto.
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Weston was a Biosystems Engineering student studying sustainability at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, when he went missing, and he had plans to go to Bolivia to work with Engineers Without Borders to distribute water to a local village. The search was postponed as heavy typhoon rains delayed the search for several days.
“Today, dozens of Japanese police officers searched through waist-deep mud in an attempt to find Weston,” his mother Nancy wrote. Facebook. “Search dogs and helicopters were also deployed.”
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What happened to Weston Higginbotham?
Weston went missing on May 20, 2026 near Kyoyo, Japan. He had been traveling with his parents and disappeared while walking. His mother, Nancy, shared the news on Facebook and asked for help finding Weston.
“PLEASE SHARE – MISSING HIKER IN KYOTO, JAPAN,” she wrote. “My son, Weston Higginbotham, has been missing since May 29 after he was last seen entering the Higashiyama Mountains from the Yamashina Station area in Kyoto.”
Sadly, Weston’s body was found in the Kyoto Yamashina Mountains on June 6, per ABC News. Nancy shared the tragic news Facebook on the same day and noted that he was found by a volunteer.
“Our family is heartbroken to share that Weston was found dead by a volunteer search and rescue group in a mountainous area outside Kyoto. The grief we feel is impossible to put into words.”
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“James ‘Weston’ Higginbotham lit up any room with his charismatic smile,” the post read. “He was passionate about protecting the environment and dedicated his life to sustainability. As a proud vegan and environmental enthusiast, he rarely went anywhere without his reusable water bottle and fork. He always tried to reduce waste and live consciously. He was so kind and loved his family and friends and felt most rooted in nature.”
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“We have shared our story here and in the media in hopes of finding Weston,” she added. “We now ask for privacy as we cope with this unimaginable loss. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and support. We will need them now more than ever. We will always love you, Weston.”
Kyoto Prefecture police said they do not suspect foul play, but no cause of death has been released.
A family friend, Audrey Daniels, told police that Weston “was definitely an experienced hiker” and that he was in “decompression” mode when he disappeared, but that he wouldn’t harm himself, per NBC News. He had also turned off his phone.
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“He was angry and wanted space,” she said. “So I don’t think he turned his phone off because he didn’t want to be found. He turned his phone off because he was upset.”
Visitation and funeral services will be held on June 17 at the Asbury United Methodist Church on Cahaba Valley Rd in Birmingham, Ala.
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