The family of a missing US college student has begun its own search in Japan. Here’s a timeline of key moments in the case
Missing US College Student’s Family Search in Japan: A Timeline of Key Moments
The family of a missing US college – Weston Higginbotham, a 20-year-old environmental science major from Auburn University, vanished in Kyoto, Japan, sparking a determined effort by his family to locate him. Despite local authorities concluding their search, Nancy Higginbotham, Weston’s mother, insists the family will not rest until their son is found. “We’re not leaving Japan until we find Weston,” she said to CNN, underscoring the family’s resolve. The case has since evolved into a transnational investigation, with the US Embassy and FBI joining forces to support the search. This timeline highlights the critical moments that have shaped the unfolding mystery.
A Trip That Diverged
Weston’s family, hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, traveled to Japan to celebrate his younger sibling’s high school graduation. Their itinerary included visits to Tokyo, Nikko, and Takayama, culminating in Kyoto. The trip was intended as a leisurely escape, but it took a dramatic turn when Weston chose to explore the city alone. This decision followed a discussion with his mother about the environmental footprint of artificial intelligence. Nancy explained that Weston felt disillusioned with tools like ChatGPT, which he believed consumed significant natural resources.
On the day of the disappearance, the family spent the morning enjoying a meal and touring the city. Later, they planned to visit a nearby temple, while Weston ventured off on his own. To track his movements, they used the Life360 app, which allows real-time location sharing. According to Nancy, Weston was seen boarding a train and visiting several stores before making a purchase. When his parents texted him to confirm his destination, they noticed his location was abruptly disabled—a departure from his usual behavior that raised immediate concerns.
Critical Moments in the Vanishing
Police reported Weston last seen near Kyoto Station at approximately 6 p.m., walking alone. About two hours later, CCTV footage captured him entering the Yamashina area, a border region between Kyoto and Shiga prefectures. The footage, taken from a hiking trail camera, showed Weston moving through dense forest. This location, known for its rugged terrain, became a focal point for investigators. Nancy noted that Weston’s passion for environmental conservation often led him to explore nature reserves, making the area’s remoteness particularly troubling.
By 2 a.m., the family had officially reported Weston missing, prompting a 72-hour search involving over 100 officers, police dogs, and a helicopter. However, the operation faced setbacks when an unexpected storm swept through the region overnight, causing heavy rain and strong winds. Officials highlighted the storm’s impact, suggesting Weston might have been stranded in the mountains or forced to seek shelter. Despite these challenges, the search continued, with officers meticulously combing forested regions for clues.
As the police search concluded, the Higginbotham family intensified their efforts. Nancy leveraged social media to raise awareness, launching a campaign on Facebook and Reddit to gather public support. The timing of the CCTV footage, captured on May 29, was only confirmed by authorities on June 2, delaying further action. With the storm’s influence still present, the family decided to coordinate with local residents and hire a private search team, drawing on expertise in the region’s geography.
Community Involvement and Global Reach
The family’s initiative has garnered widespread support, with the US Embassy and FBI pledging international collaboration. Nancy emphasized the role of these agencies, noting they were ready to assist if the search required cross-border efforts. A GoFundMe page, launched by friends and neighbors back home, has raised essential funds for additional resources, including volunteers experienced in challenging hiking conditions. The page has become a symbol of collective hope, reflecting the community’s commitment to finding Weston.
With the search now extending beyond the initial police scope, the family has expanded their efforts to a 5-mile radius around Weston’s likely entry point into the forest. This broader approach aims to cover areas the authorities may have overlooked. Nancy expressed confidence in the combined efforts of local and international teams, stating, “We believe this collaborative search will bring us closer to answers.” The case continues to captivate public interest, with updates shared regularly through social media and news outlets.