The search for 20-year-old James “Weston” Higginbotham, a student at Auburn University, has ended in tragedy after he was found dead following a multi-day search in Japan, according to CNN.

Weston, a junior at Auburn University and described by his family as a passionate environmentalist, went missing during a family trip in the Kyoto region. CNN reported that he was traveling with his parents and younger brother to celebrate the sibling’s high school graduation when he disappeared after separating from them following a disagreement with his mother.

A social media image shared by his family, released on June 3, 2026, showed Weston in an unidentified location during the search period.

Disappearance linked to disagreement over AI tools

According to CNN, the disagreement involved his mother’s use of artificial intelligence tools, including navigation assistance during the trip. After the argument, Weston chose to leave and explore Kyoto on his own.

The family said he had become separated while the group was visiting the city on May 29.

Last known movements captured on CCTV

Authorities confirmed 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 a forested and mountainous trail area around 8 p.m. local time, after leaving Kyoto Station earlier that evening.

His family had been tracking his movements through a location-sharing app and initially observed him moving around the city. However, his signal later stopped updating, which they described as unusual behavior.

Search effort launched across Japan

Weston was officially reported missing in the early hours of May 30, according to CNN.

Japanese authorities launched a large-scale search operation involving police units, K-9 teams, helicopters, and volunteers. However, operations were repeatedly disrupted by heavy rain and difficult mountainous terrain in the Yamashina region.

By early June, investigators had confirmed his last known CCTV location and concentrated search efforts in surrounding forested areas.

Full timeline of the case

May 22 – Arrival in Japan
Weston and his family arrived in Japan for a vacation from Alabama.
The trip was intended to celebrate his younger brother’s high school graduation.
Their itinerary included Tokyo, Nikko, Takayama, and later Kyoto.

May 29 – Day he disappeared
The family spent time in Kyoto before Weston separated from them.
A reported disagreement with his mother over AI-assisted navigation preceded his departure.
Weston decided to explore the city alone.
Around 6 p.m., he left Kyoto Station.
Around 8 p.m., CCTV captured him walking near the Yamashina mountain trails.

May 30 – Missing report filed
Weston was officially reported missing around 2 a.m. by his family.
Local authorities initiated initial search operations.

June 2 – CCTV confirmed, search shifts
CCTV footage from May 29 was verified by authorities.
Search efforts were redirected toward nearby mountainous forest areas.
Severe storm conditions complicated rescue operations.

June 3 – Large-scale search operation
Police deployed helicopters, K-9 units, and dozens of officers.
Search focus remained on the Yamashina forest region.
Authorities warned about dangerous weather and terrain conditions.

June 4 – Ongoing investigation
Search expanded with further review of surveillance footage.
Authorities monitored digital traces and other potential leads.
The US Embassy and FBI were contacted for coordination.

June 5 – Search scaled down
A 72-hour intensive police search concluded in the region.
More than 100 personnel had been involved, including air support and search dogs.
The family began organizing private search teams and volunteers.

June 6 – Body found
A volunteer search-and-rescue team located Weston’s body in a mountainous area outside Kyoto.
His family confirmed the discovery in a statement, describing the loss as deeply devastating.

Tragic conclusion

Weston’s death brought an end to an international search effort that spanned both official authorities and civilian volunteers.

CNN reported that the family described the outcome as heartbreaking and requested privacy as they begin to grieve.

Authorities have not publicly released an official cause of death, and investigations remain ongoing.