NEW details have been revealed in the ongoing mystery surrounding the disappearance and death of Weston Higginbotham.

James “Weston” Higginbotham, 20, was found dead on June 6 in a forest area in Japan.

James Weston Higginbotham wearing a white patterned shirt and khaki shorts, with green foliage in the background.
Weston Higginbotham was found dead in a forest in Japan on June 6Credit: Reuters
 

James "Weston" Higginbotham and a woman standing outside an airport, before he went missing in Japan.
Weston, pictured with his mom, was reported missing on May 30 after leaving his family in JapanCredit: Instagram

The Auburn University student went missing on May 30 after venturing off from his family while on a vacation together.

His heartbreaking obituary has now revealed that he died on the same day he vanished, listing his date of death as May 30, 2026.

“People who met Weston loved him and he loved them right back. He was inclusive to everyone and had lifelong friends from all backgrounds and walks of life,” the obituary said.

“If a friend, neighbor, or stranger needed a helping hand, he was the kind of person who showed up without hesitation.

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“To honor Weston’s memory, take a walk at a state park, eat a vegan meal this week, stop and admire the sunset, tell those close to you how much you love them, and reduce the noise in your life,” the obituary added.

Higginbotham and his family arrived in Japan on May 22 after traveling from Alabama.

The family was set to celebrate Weston’s younger brother’s high school graduation.

On May 29, the family traveled to Kyoto, where Weston reportedly argued with his mother after he noticed her using ChatGPT.

Illustration of a map detailing the timeline and locations related to the disappearance and discovery of James "Weston" Higginbotham in Japan.
 

A tall flagpole with the American flag, the Alabama state flag, and an Auburn University flag flying below, set against a blue sky with white clouds, framed by tree leaves and the top of a building.
Weston’s mother shared this photo of Weston’s Auburn University memorial flag flying on campus on ThursdayCredit: Facebook/@Nancy Higginbotham

Weston then decided to leave his family and venture off on his own.

He was reported missing by his family the next day, sparking a widespread search.

Surveillance footage captured Weston at a train station near Kyoto on May 30.

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The 20-year-old’s body was found last Saturday near the Higashiyama mountain range, which is located roughly 300 miles outside Tokyo.

When he left his family, Weston had only $62 and less than 40% of his phone’s battery. 
His mother, Nancy Higginbotham, shared a Facebook post on Thursday showing a memorial flag being flown at Auburn University.

“We leave Japan today with an immense amount of pain, but with gratitude in our hearts for the support that the Japanese citizens and friends, government, and businesses have shown us,” Nancy wrote.