James Weston Higginbotham Cause of Death: What happened to the missing American student found dead in Japan?

In a social media update, Higginbotham confirmed their 20-year-old son was found dead near Kyoto on Saturday.

“Our family is heartbroken to share that Weston was found dead by volunteer search and rescue teams in the mountains outside Kyoto. Words cannot describe our grief,” the family said.

He was last seen walking alone in the city’s Yamako district, on a hiking trail in nearby woods.

A 72-hour police search of the heavily forested area where Weston was last seen ended Friday, according to his family. The search involved more than 100 police officers, K-9 units and helicopters.

“We know he’s out in the woods somewhere,” Weston’s mother, Nancy Higginbotham, wrote in a Facebook update Saturday morning.

After Weston’s body was found, the family expressed gratitude to those who shared their stories and assisted in the search.

“The outpouring of kindness and support has helped us get through the darkest days of our lives,” the family said. “Thank you for your concern, prayers and support. We need them now more than ever. We will always love you, Weston.”