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Missing Auburn University student in Japan found dead, mother says: "Unimaginable loss"

Updated on: June 6, 2026 / 9:57 PM EDT / CBS News

Missing Auburn University student in Japan found dead, mother says: "Unimaginable loss"

TL;DR

  • Auburn University engineering student James "Weston" Higginbotham was found dead outside of Kyoto.
  • He was last seen on May 29 while his family was visiting Japan.
  • Higginbotham's mother confirmed his death on Facebook, stating he was found by a volunteer search-and-rescue group.
  • A cause of death was not immediately available.
  • Auburn University President Christopher B. Roberts issued a statement mourning the loss and offering condolences to the family.