Search for Missing Alabama Student in Kyoto Hampered by Typhoon

Kyoto, Japan — A severe typhoon has disrupted rescue efforts for the missing Alabama student, James “Weston” Higginbotham. Teams are searching the foothills near Kyoto, both on the ground with dogs and from the air.

The 20-year-old Auburn University engineering student vanished after taking a solo train ride to a well-known hiking area on May 29, while on a family vacation. He was considered an experienced hiker. According to his mother, Nancy Higginbotham, “When he is going on a trail, that’s where he finds, like, his inner peace, and his quiet time. And it rejuvenates him, and so I’m sure that’s what he did.”

Higginbotham remained visible on a family tracking app while his parents and brother visited a local temple. His location later changed that evening, but texts from his family went unanswered. Police noted that CCTV captured him departing from Yamashina train station; this marks his last sighting. He was reportedly wearing a ‘Save the Bees’ T-shirt and lavender pants.

Nancy Higginbotham expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, “He has survival skills, and I don’t want anyone to doubt that if he is lost in the woods, he is still alive.” The family had planned to return to Alabama but decided to stay until they locate him. “We’re not flying home tonight,” Nancy confirmed. Keith Higginbotham, James’ father, added, “A flight home is hard when you realize there’s one person that may not be on the flight with you.”