Account

The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

American missing in Japan found dead in mountainous area near Kyoto

American missing in Japan found dead in mountainous area near Kyoto

Summary

James "Weston" Higginbotham, a 20-year-old American student from Auburn University who went missing in Japan, was found dead in a mountainous area near Kyoto. Authorities have not yet announced the cause of his death.

Key Facts

  • James "Weston" Higginbotham was reported missing on May 29, 2026, while traveling in Japan with his family.
  • He stopped replying to his family's messages and turned off his phone location.
  • He was found dead by volunteers searching near Kyoto.
  • Higginbotham was a biosystems engineering student at Auburn University.
  • Police believe he may have left his family intentionally but were worried about his safety since he does not speak Japanese well.
  • Investigators reviewed his movements, interviewed his family, and checked CCTV footage.
  • The cause of death has not yet been made public.
  • His family has asked for privacy as they cope with the loss.
Read the Full Article

This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.