Parents Speak on Son’s Disappearance
The parents of missing Auburn University student James “Weston” Higginbotham are sharing new details about the final hours before their son vanished in Kyoto, Japan, as an international search effort continues. Authorities, volunteers, and family members remain engaged in an extensive effort to locate the 20 year old engineering student, who has not been seen since May 29.
“We Will Not Lose Hope”
Weston was traveling in Japan with his family to celebrate his younger brother’s high school graduation when he disappeared. According to his parents, Nancy and Keith Higginbotham, the family had been enjoying the trip before Weston decided to spend some time alone following a minor family disagreement. His mother said he wanted some space after several days of traveling together.
The family tracked Weston’s movements through location services and determined he traveled through Kyoto before arriving at Yamashina Station on the eastern side of the city. Surveillance footage later confirmed his presence there. His phone remained active until approximately 8:29 p.m. local time before it stopped transmitting data.
Parents Believe Phone Was Intentionally Turned Off
Nancy and Keith Higginbotham believe Weston may have switched off his phone himself. They suggested he may have done so after receiving numerous messages from concerned family members attempting to stay in contact with him.
The disappearance has raised alarm because Weston is described as an experienced traveler, skilled navigator, and avid hiker who typically maintains regular communication with his family. His mother said his sudden lack of contact is completely out of character.
Search Focused on Mountainous Terrain
Investigators believe Weston may have headed toward hiking trails and wooded areas near Yamashina after leaving the train station. Search efforts have included police officers, helicopters, K-9 units, surveillance reviews, and assistance from volunteers. Teams have focused on areas surrounding Mount Otowa and nearby hiking routes east of Kyoto.
Search operations were complicated by severe weather, including a typhoon that passed through the region, creating difficult conditions for rescuers. Despite those challenges, authorities continue to pursue leads and conduct searches in remote terrain.
Family Appeals for Help
Speaking from Japan, Weston’s parents have made emotional appeals for assistance, urging the public to continue sharing information and distributing missing person flyers. They say support from volunteers, translators, and local residents has been invaluable during the search.
Keith Higginbotham noted that Weston’s appearance may make him easier to recognize because of his height and long blond hair. The family hopes increased public awareness will generate new information that could help locate him.
Holding Onto Hope
Despite growing concern, Weston’s parents remain hopeful that he can still be found. His mother pointed to his outdoor experience, physical endurance, and familiarity with hiking as reasons to believe he may have survived in remote areas.
Weston is described as 6 foot 1 with long blond hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a white “Save the Bees” T-shirt, lavender corduroy pants, and white Adidas sneakers. He was also carrying a shoulder bag featuring the outline of Alabama. As search crews continue combing the rugged terrain around Kyoto, the Higginbotham family says they remain focused on one goal: bringing Weston home safely.
