Nancy and Keith Higginbotham, the parents of missing Hoover native James "Weston" Higginbotham, released a video expressing their gratitude for the support and prayers their family has received from the public back home in the United States and in Japan while asking that people continue to share their son’s image. The video was posted as friends, neighbors and loved ones from throughout Central Alabama gathered at Asbury Methodist Church for a prayer vigil.
"We want to thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers; we do feel them," Nancy Higginbotham said.
Weston, who went missing while on vacation with his family, was last seen in the Kyoto area on May 29.
"The police have narrowed it down to Weston getting off at the Yamashina station. 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. 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," his mother said in an update on Tuesday at 7:00 a.m. in Kyoto, which is 14 hours ahead of Alabama.
The post notes that he may be "emotionally distressed."
"Please be kind. We are in our own living hell. He is not detained from a night out partying. The police have confirmed this. Please, I beg you, be kind. I'm already in so much pain," Nancy wrote after providing her personal contact information for anyone who could have information that would help the family locate Weston.
The missing 20-year-old is a 2024 graduate from Spain Park High School and is currently a student at Auburn University studying environmental engineering.
On Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. in Japan, the family posted an update on social media.
"Today, they deployed 50 police officers, K9s, and helicopters to search the heavy wooded area. They have been working hard since 8:00am this morning and have not found anything thus far. I know it has been difficult for the Japanese police officers, as it is extremely wet outside and the terrain is steep, and I am grateful for their efforts," Nancy Higginbotham wrote, adding, "We will not lose hope, and we feel all of the love that you are pouring out throughout the day."
"Representative Susan DuBose and I have been in touch with Mark B. Jackson; Honorary Consul General of Japan and the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta. We understand that the appropriate resources are engaged and searching for Weston," State Rep. Mike Shaw (R-Hoover) posted to social media.
"Let’s all pray for Weston's safe return, for strength and peace for his family, and for wisdom and endurance for everyone involved in the search," he said.
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