An Alabama college student has mysteriously disappeared in Japan during a family vacation, prompting an urgent search that involves both police and K-9 units scouring the region’s wooded trails. The missing student, James “Weston” Higginbotham, a 20-year-old from Auburn University, has not been in contact since May 29, leaving his family in a state of distress.
Weston’s mother, Nancy Higginbotham, expressed the family’s anguish on social media, stating, “We are in our own living hell.” She emphasized that her son is not simply detained after a night out, as confirmed by the police. “Please, I beg you, be kind. I’m already in so much pain,” she implored.
The investigation has revealed that Weston’s last verified location was Yamashina Station, situated to the east of Kyoto. This area is notable for its hiking trails, temples, and forest paths, including routes leading toward Mount Otowa and the Kyoto Trail network.
Police, who have been reviewing CCTV footage, believe this was his last known whereabouts. Meanwhile, Weston’s phone was last active shortly after he reached Kyoto Station around 8:15 p.m., before it abruptly lost network service.
The family’s plea for assistance comes as they anxiously join the search efforts, hoping for any sign of their son amid the dense and rugged landscape. The situation remains critical as authorities continue their efforts to locate the missing student.
