Lawmakers across the state have expressed sympathy for the family of James "Weston" Higginbotham, the Hoover native and Auburn student who was found dead on Saturday after a weeklong search in Japan.

Nancy Higginbotham and Keith Higginbotham's 20-year-old son was last seen by CCW cameras entering a hiking trail on May 29. The video wasn't discovered until June 2, and the weather initially hindered local authorities' search.

Ultimately, it was a family-led search group that discovered Weston one day after authorities concluded their ground and air search.

"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. The grief we feel is impossible to put into words," Nancy wrote in a post announcing the news.

"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," she continued before offering thanks to supporters.

"Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support. We will need them now more than ever. We will always love you, Weston," she continued.

"Truly heartbreaking news. My prayers are with the Higginbotham family and loved ones," U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) wrote in a post on X.

"Wesley and I are devastated for the Higginbotham family. Please join us in praying for James's family, friends, and loved ones as they, and all of Alabama, mourn this tragic loss," U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Enterprise) wrote.

"Like so many in our community, Stephanie and I are heartbroken at the news of Weston Higginbotham's passing," Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis wrote in a Facebook post.

"Weston was a young man of remarkable character. A Hoover native, a Spain Park High School graduate, and an Auburn University student, he had a deep love for the outdoors and the world around him. He touched everyone who knew him. His loss is a tragedy felt across our entire community," He continued.

"Over the past several days, Hoover residents came together in prayer and hope for Weston's safe return. Today, our hearts are with the Higginbotham family as they face an unimaginable loss. On behalf of the City of Hoover, I extend our deepest condolences to Keith, Nancy, Grayton, and all of Weston's family and friends. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers in the difficult days ahead."

"This morning, our whole family was shaken to see the tragic news of Wes Higginbotham. Oh, how we all hoped for a different outcome. What should be a time of joy is now one of unimaginable sadness," State Rep. Mike Shaw (R-Hoover) wrote in a post.

"Thank you to the people of Japan, Kyoto, and the surrounding area for the assistance in searching for him. Here at home, I know our community will be surrounding this family with all the prayer, love, and support we can give them."

"My heart goes out to the family of Weston Higginbotham. The family announced the tragic news that their son's body was found in the mountains in Japan. Our community of Greystone, Hoover, North Shelby County and beyond have been praying for this family and the safe return of Weston. May God be with this precious family," State Rep. Susan DuBose (R-Hoover) wrote.

"On behalf of Auburn University, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of James' Weston' Higginbotham, who died while traveling in Japan. Weston was a junior majoring in engineering and a valued member of the Auburn Family," Roberts said. "The Auburn Family mourns this heartbreaking loss and holds Weston's family, friends and loved ones close in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time," Auburn President Christopher B. Roberts said in a statement reported by the Auburn Plainsman.

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