Missing Auburn University Student Found Dead in Japan
James "Weston" Higginbotham, a 20-year-old biosystems engineering student at Auburn University, was found dead in a mountainous region outside Kyoto, Japan. Higginbotham vanished on May 29 while on a family trip, after being captured on surveillance footage near hiking trails in the Yamashina area. His family and local authorities conducted an extensive search before his body was recovered on Saturday. Kyoto Prefectural Police stated it was "highly probable" that Higginbotham left his family intentionally, though they remained concerned for his safety during the search. His mother revealed that the two had argued over her use of ChatGPT shortly before he disappeared. Auburn University President Christopher Roberts and Alabama political leaders have since issued condolences to the family.
Prefer swipe-first reading?
Install the app to keep reading with faster loads and a smoother mobile experience.
Sources
Following news of Weston’s death, Auburn University President Christopher Roberts said the community lost “a valued member of the Auburn Family.” · “On behalf of Auburn University, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of James ‘Weston’ Higginbotham, who died while traveling in Japan...
Missing Auburn University student in Japan found dead, mother says: "Unimaginable loss" - CBS News
A graduate of New York University's Arthur L. Carter School of Journalism, she previously worked at NBC News' TODAY Digital. She covers current events, breaking news and issues including substance use. Read Full Bio ... Missing Auburn University engineering student James "Weston" Higginbotham was ...
Nancy Higginbotham and Keith ... James "Weston" Higginbotham who went missing in Japan, speak at an unidentified location, in this screengrab obtained from a social media video and released on June 3, 2026. ... On Thursday, investigators in Japan said they believe it is highly probable the biosystems engineering student left his family intentionally, but police were concerned for his safety, Kyoto Prefectural Police told ABC News...
My prayers are with the Higginbotham family and loved ones," Tuberville said in a Facebook post.U.S. Sen. Katie Britt:State Rep. Susan DuBose:"My heart goes out to the family of Weston Higginbotham. The family announced the tragic news that their son's body was found in Japan," DuBose said ...
The US college student missing in Japan has been found dead. Here’s a timeline of key moments in the case | CNN
James "Weston" Higginbotham, an Auburn University student and environmentalist, disappeared while exploring Kyoto alone during a family trip. Surveillance footage captured him near hiking trails in a mountainous area before he vanished. His family has launched its own search efforts after Japanese ...
Mom of Auburn college student missing in Japan says they argued over ChatGPT before he disappeared - CBS News
Update: James Higginbotham's mother announced he had been found dead in Japan on Saturday. Read earlier developments below. The mom of the American college student missing in Japan told CBS News the two had an argument over her use of ChatGPT on their vacation before he disappeared. James "Weston" ...
James Weston Higginbotham case update: Auburn student's family breaks silence after his body is found in Japan | Hindustan Times
Read more: James Weston Higginbotham: ... dead in Japan · According to family members, Weston was last seen on surveillance footage after exiting a train in Kyoto’s Yamashina area on May 29. His last known phone activity occurred later that evening. Investigators and the Higginbotham family subsequently focused their search on nearby hiking trails and mountainous terrain because Weston was known to enjoy hiking and outdoor activities. Nancy previously told NBC News that her son ...
'Highly probable' that American missing in Japan left intentionally: Police - ABC News
James "Weston" Higginbotham, who went missing in Japan, is shown in an unidentified location in this still image obtained from social media and released on June 3, 2026. ... TOKYO, JAPAN -- Days into the search for an Auburn University student missing in Japan, investigators believe it is highly probable that the 20-year-old left his family intentionally, but police remain concerned for his safety, Kyoto Prefectural Police told ABC News...
Auburn student Weston Higginbotham found dead in Japan after weeklong search, mom confirms
The parents of 20-year-old James 'Weston' Higginbotham, an Auburn University student, pleaded for his return after he went missing in Kyoto, Japan, May 29. His phone's location went dark after he separated from his family. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Fact Checks
Related news
Jordyn Brooks Trade Interest Off the Table After Dolphins Extension
The Dallas Cowboys have officially missed out on acquiring linebacker Jordyn Brooks, as the Miami Dolphins secured him with a significant contract extension. This development removes a likely trade scenario that had been discussed, forcing the Cowboys to reassess their options for adding defensive depth. This loss affects Dallas's linebacker situation, which has been noted as thin. While Brooks is off the board, analysts suggest that other contenders—including the Broncos and Bengals—should still have vested interest in a top-tier linebacker. Furthermore, discussions around the team's defensive needs continue, with some looking toward players like DeMarvion Overshown to bolster the unit.
US-Iran Conflict Escalation: Strikes, Retaliations, and Regional Warnings
The conflict between the United States and Iran has entered a phase of heightened escalation, marked by direct military exchanges. Iran has reportedly retaliated against US allies and targets across the Middle East, including targeting bridges near Hormuz, while also demonstrating deadly precision in its missile attacks. This has prompted warnings from Tehran that if US threats and attacks are not stopped, regional infrastructure will not be safe. Various sources detail the complex fallout of this conflict, including claims from groups like the Houthis regarding attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea following US strikes. Furthermore, reports suggest that military planning for a major confrontation has been leaked, raising fears about the readiness of US leadership. The situation also…
US Service Member Killed in Iraq Amid Political Turmoil and Economic Warnings
A U.S. service member was killed in action in Iraq, marking the second week of U.S. strikes against Iran. Simultaneously, Australian political coverage highlighted significant shifts in NSW polling, with One Nation support soaring. Opposition leader Kellie Sloane noted voter frustration with economic conditions, while polls predicted a potential Coalition downturn in the 2027 state election. Furthermore, changes to self-managed super funds have prompted warnings from the housing industry regarding planned new homes.
Grammy-Nominated Singer Bonnie Tyler Dies at 75
The Grammy-nominated singer Bonnie Tyler died at the age of 75. She was celebrated for her powerful voice and enduring hits, including 'Total Eclipse of the Heart,' which topped charts and dominated iTunes sales. Her passing prompted widespread mourning and tributes from Hollywood figures, including Catherine Zeta-Jones and Johnny Knoxville. Tyler had died months after undergoing emergency intestinal surgery, and her final post resurfaced following her death.
Maine Politics: Senate Reactions, Memorials, and Candidate Succession
Maine political news covered recent developments including reactions from state senators to ongoing issues such as ICE traffic stops and memorials honoring Johan Sebastian Guerrero. Beyond these political reactions, attention is also focused on the future of the Senate seat. Analysts and observers are discussing potential candidates within the Maine Democratic party who could step in to replace Graham Platner should he drop out of the race.
Fed Chair Warsh: Inflation Cooled but 'Mission Not Accomplished'
Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh told lawmakers Tuesday that the June inflation report, which showed a sharp slowdown in price hikes, was welcome but not enough to declare victory. In his first semiannual testimony, Warsh reiterated the Fed's 'no tolerance' for high inflation and outlined a sweeping review of policy tools, yet he provided no clear signal on the next interest-rate move. Warsh's cautious stance came amid renewed U.S.-Iran military tensions that could disrupt energy markets, and as he emphasized the central bank's independence from political influence. Analysts noted the inflation surprise buys him only brief relief, with the Fed expected to remain data-dependent. Warsh also criticized forward guidance as unsuited to the current economic moment, keeping markets guessing on…
Take Yomuyo with you
Download the mobile app for personalized headlines and quick access to breaking stories.