Auburn student goes missing in Japan, family fear he’s ‘emotionally distressed’

An Auburn University engineering student went missing in Japan, his school and family said Wednesday, with loved ones fearing he could be “emotionally distressed.”

James “Weston” Higginbotham, 20, was last seen on May 29 in Kyoto, according to a statement by his mother Nancy Higginbotham.

“Unfortunately, the authorities did not find Weston today,” according to a statement posted late Wednesday night by the student’s mom.

The family said it’s grateful for the efforts of Japanese police, FBI agents, U.S. diplomats, Alabama state officials and “the wonderful Japanese volunteers,” according to Nancy Higginbotham.

“I know the amount of resources they are pouring into finding our son is immense,” she added.

Higginbotham, a junior who studies biosystems engineering at the Alabama university, was traveling with his family when he vanished, Auburn said.

“Auburn University is aware that one of our students, James ‘Weston’ Higginbotham, has been reported missing while traveling in Japan,” Auburn vice president Jennifer Wood Adams said in a statement to NBC News.

“Our thoughts are with Weston, his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. University officials have reached out to the family and offered support.”

The student was last spotted at Yamashina Station in Kyoto, according to his mother.

“We don’t know if he got back on the train at any point. Weston is a very experienced hiker and this town has beautiful nature trails,” according to his mother’s statement.

“He may have intentionally chosen a quiet trail from Yamashina, especially Bishamon-do, Lake Biwa Canal, Misasagi, Keage/Nanzen-ji, Kyoto Trail, Mount Otowa, or Daigo/Kami-Daigo.”

She added: “He may be emotionally distressed, so this is urgent.”

The student’s parents said they’re encouraged by the work of Japanese first responders and the social media sharing of the family’s story.

“We’re confident we’re going to find him,” father Keith Higginbotham said in a video statement on Tuesday.

“We’re going to find him because of everybody’s help and posting and getting the word out so we can find the person who’s going to find him.”

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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