Find Auburn University Students James “Weston” Higginbotham The 20-year-old was found dead in Japan after days of searching, which ended in tragedy, CNN reported.
Weston, junior Auburn University Described by his family as a passionate environmentalist, he disappeared while traveling with his family in the Kyoto area. CNN reported that he was on a family trip to Japan to celebrate his younger brother’s graduation but disappeared after leaving alone after an argument with his mother.
According to CNN, the disagreement involved his mother’s use of an artificial intelligence tool for navigation, after which Weston chose to explore Kyoto alone.
Last known movements captured on CCTV
Authorities later confirmed that Weston was last seen on May 29 in the Yamashina area on the outskirts of Kyoto.
CNN reported that CCTV footage showed him walking alone near mountain and forest trails around 8 pm local time after leaving Kyoto Station earlier that night.
His family, who tracked his location through a phone app, initially saw him walking around the city before his signal was turned off, which they described as unusual behavior.
Search efforts launched across Japan
According to CNN, Weston disappeared in the early morning of May 30.
Over the next few days, Japanese authorities launched an extensive search operation, using police, dogs, helicopters and volunteers. However, work was sometimes disrupted due to heavy rains and rugged mountainous terrain in the Yamashina region.
By early June, authorities had identified the location of the last CCTV footage and focused their search efforts on nearby forested areas.
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Full timeline of the case
May 22: Arrive in Japan
- weston and his family Arriving in Japan from Alabama for a family trip.
- The purpose of the visit was to celebrate his brother’s high school graduation.
- The itinerary included Tokyo, Nikko, Takayama and later Kyoto.
May 29: The day he disappeared
- The family spent time in Kyoto before Weston separated from them.
- Reports disagree with mother on AI-assisted navigation.
- Weston decided to explore the city alone.
- Around 6pm: He leaves Kyoto Station.
- Around 8pm: CCTV captured him walking alone near the Shanko Mountain Trail.
May 30: Missing report filed
- Weston was officially reported missing by his family around 2 a.m.
- Local authorities began preliminary search operations.
June 2: CCTV confirms search changes
- CCTV footage from May 29 has been verified by authorities.
- Police turned their search to mountainous forested areas.
- Search efforts were hampered by severe storm conditions.
June 3: Massive search operation
- Police deployed helicopters, K-9 units and dozens of officers.
- The focus remains on the Yamashina forest area.
- Authorities warned of risks posed by weather and terrain.
June 4: Investigation ongoing
- The search continues amid an expanded review of surveillance footage.
- Authorities also monitor banking activity and digital traces.
- We have contacted the U.S. Embassy and the FBI to coordinate.
June 5: Search scale shrinks
- An intensive 72-hour police search of the area ended.
- More than 100 personnel were involved, including search and rescue dogs and air support.
- The family announced plans for a private search team and volunteers.
June 6: Body found
- Volunteer search and rescue teams found Weston’s body in the mountains outside Kyoto.
- The family confirmed the discovery in a statement shared with CNN. They described the loss as devastating.
