An American university student, James “Weston” Higginbotham, 20, from Alabama, has been found dead after going missing during a family trip to Japan.
He was last seen on May 29 near Kyoto Station around 6 p.m. while traveling in the Kyoto area with his family. A days-long search followed, with widespread international attention.
On June 6, his mother, Nancy Higginbotham, confirmed on Facebook that Weston’s body was found by a volunteer search-and-rescue team in a mountainous area outside Kyoto. She thanked everyone who helped and asked for privacy as the family mourns.
A friend, Hiyu Shikari, who met Weston days earlier in Tokyo, said they had enjoyed dinner together in Shinjuku and described their meeting positively. His final message to Weston went unanswered.
Friends, family, and supporters worldwide joined search efforts after his disappearance, offering help and sharing his story.
Authorities have not released further details about the cause or circumstances of his death.