Kyoto-based rescue teams are struggling to locate missing Alabama man James “Weston” Higginbotham in the foothills near Kyoto, Japan. The 20-year-old Auburn University engineering student disappeared after taking a train alone to an area known for its hiking trails on May 29.
His family described him as an experienced hiker who found peace and rejuvenation in nature. When they noticed his location had moved that evening, they texted him but received no response. Police have CCTV footage of Higginbotham leaving the Yamashina train station, where he was last seen wearing a “Save the Bees” T-shirt and lavender pants.
Higginbotham’s mother, Nancy, insists her son is still alive if lost in the woods. The family has decided not to fly back to Alabama until their son is found.