Auburn Student Died in Mountains Outside Kyoto After Intentionally Leaving Family During Japan Trip

James "Weston" Higginbotham, a 20-year-old Auburn University student, was found dead in a mountainous area outside Kyoto by a volunteer search-and-rescue group, his mother said in a Facebook post on June 6. Higginbotham disappeared on May 29 while on a family trip in Japan.

He stayed behind at the family lodging while his parents and brother visited a nearby temple, then was last seen near a train station east of Kyoto.

His parents observed his location moving on a family tracking app and texted him without receiving a response. They believe he was headed to a nearby hiking trail. The family reported that Higginbotham had argued with his mother over her use of ChatGPT to plan sightseeing before he left.

Friends and family described him as a committed naturalist whose studies in biosystems engineering focused on sustainable design and opposition to society's growing dependence on AI. Kyoto Prefectural Police stated it was highly probable that Higginbotham left his family on purpose. The department expressed concern for his safety because he did not speak Japanese.

Search efforts included over 100 police officers, dogs, and helicopters. After Japanese authorities told the family they were suspending search efforts, the family hired a professional rescue crew. Search crews combed the mountains and trails with a helicopter and K-9 units.

Investigators interviewed the family, followed Higginbotham's movements after he left the hotel, examined items he left behind, and reviewed CCTV. A cause of death had not been determined as of June 6. Auburn University President Christopher B.

She concluded: "We shared our story here and in the media in the hope of finding Weston. " Relatives worried he had been emotionally distressed when he walked off.