KYOTO –
The household of James “Weston” Higginbotham, a 20-year-old American pupil who went lacking whereas touring in Kyoto, introduced on June seventh that he has been discovered lifeless after a volunteer search-and-rescue group situated his physique in a mountainous space exterior the town.
In a press release posted on Facebook, his mom, Nancy Higginbotham, mentioned the household was devastated by the invention.
“Our family is heartbroken to share that Weston was found deceased by a volunteer search-and-rescue group in a mountainous area outside of Kyoto,” she wrote. “The grief we feel is impossible to put into words.”
Higginbotham, a pupil at Auburn University in Alabama, disappeared in late May whereas visiting Japan together with his household. His mom beforehand mentioned the 2 had an argument earlier than going their separate methods, and that his cellphone’s location companies had been turned off. Security digital camera footage reportedly confirmed him heading towards a mountainous space close to Kyoto.
The case attracted widespread consideration in each Japan and the United States, prompting in depth search efforts and appeals for data. In her assertion, Nancy Higginbotham thanked the many individuals who helped seek for her son and supported the household all through the ordeal.
“We are deeply grateful to the countless people across the United States, Japan, and around the world who shared Weston’s story, prayed for our family, offered encouragement, and helped in the search efforts,” she mentioned.
The household has requested for privateness as they mourn their loss.
“We shared our story here and in the media in the hope of finding Weston. We now ask for privacy as we begin to navigate this unimaginable loss,” Nancy Higginbotham wrote. “We will always love you, Weston.”
Japanese authorities haven’t but launched particulars relating to the reason for demise, and the circumstances surrounding the case stay below investigation.
Previously: Search Continues for American Tourist Who Vanished in Kyoto Mountains
Source: FOX