New details have emerged in the tragic case of James “Weston” Higginbotham, the 20-year-old Auburn University student who was found dead in Japan after disappearing during a family vacation.

Weston’s body was discovered on June 6 in a forested area near the Higashiyama mountain range, bringing a heartbreaking end to a search that had stretched across parts of Japan after he vanished a week earlier.

James Weston Higginbotham wearing a white patterned shirt and khaki shorts, with green foliage in the background.

The Alabama native was reported missing on May 30 after separating from his family while they were visiting Japan. According to an obituary released by his family, Weston is believed to have died on the same day he was last seen.

The Higginbotham family had traveled to Japan on May 22 to celebrate the upcoming high school graduation of Weston’s younger brother. After spending time in the country, the family arrived in Kyoto on May 29.

James "Weston" Higginbotham and a woman standing outside an airport, before he went missing in Japan.

Reports indicate that Weston left his family after an argument with his mother, Nancy Higginbotham, who was reportedly using ChatGPT at the time. Following the disagreement, he decided to venture out on his own.

The next day, when he failed to return, his family reported him missing, triggering an extensive search effort involving authorities and volunteers.

Surveillance footage later captured Weston at a train station near Kyoto on May 30, providing investigators with one of the last confirmed sightings of the college student.

James Weston Higginbotham and an older man posing in front of a building.

Family members said Weston had only about $62 with him when he left and that his phone battery was below 40 percent, factors that added to concerns during the search.

His obituary paints a picture of a compassionate and well-loved young man.

“People who met Weston loved him and he loved them right back. He was inclusive to everyone and had lifelong friends from all backgrounds and walks of life,” the obituary stated.

“If a friend, neighbor, or stranger needed a helping hand, he was the kind of person who showed up without hesitation.”

A tall flagpole with the American flag, the Alabama state flag, and an Auburn University flag flying below, set against a blue sky with white clouds, framed by tree leaves and the top of a building.

The tribute also encouraged people to honor his memory by embracing some of the things he enjoyed most in life.

“To honor Weston’s memory, take a walk at a state park, eat a vegan meal this week, stop and admire the sunset, tell those close to you how much you love them, and reduce the noise in your life,” the obituary read.

As the family prepares to return home, Weston’s mother shared a heartfelt message on Facebook after Auburn University flew a memorial flag in his honor.

“We leave Japan today with an immense amount of pain, but with gratitude in our hearts for the support that the Japanese citizens and friends, government, and businesses have shown us,” Nancy wrote.

The circumstances surrounding Weston’s death have not yet been fully explained, and questions remain about what happened after he left his family. For now, loved ones continue to mourn the loss of a young man remembered for his kindness, generosity, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.