“HE SENT ONE FINAL MESSAGE… THEN DISAPPEARED.” 😳 The cause of death of James “Weston” Higginbotham has now been revealed following the tragedy that unfolded during a family vacation in Japan 👀 👇 Yet one detail from the last 47 minutes of his timeline remains unexplained
OUR AGONY
Weston Higginbotham’s family friend hits out at ‘painful’ cause of death speculation as body is flown back to US
A FAMILY friend of the American student found dead in Japan has spoken out about the heartbreaking toll that speculation over his death has taken on his grieving parents.
James “Weston” Higginbotham, 20, was discovered in a forest area of Kyoto on June 6 after separating from his family a week before.
Weston Higginbotham had been missing for a week before his body was located in KyotoCredit: Facebook/@Nancy Higginbotham
Weston is seen with his mother, Nancy, who had been searching for her son for days after he vanished in JapanCredit: Instagram
James “Weston” Higginbotham is seen with his mom Nancy, dad Keith (right), and younger brother, Graydon (left)Credit: Instagram
The Auburn University student had been traveling with his mom, Nancy, and dad, Keith, along with his younger brother, Grayton.
Nancy told media outlets that she and Weston had a disagreement about her use of ChatGPT on the trip and that he left them and boarded a train before his phone location cut off.
Weston was last seen on CCTV around 8pm on Friday, May 29, walking alone on a path that led directly to local hiking trails and mountainous woods.
At the time, Nancy told CNN, “It’s not unusual for Weston to blow off steam going to the woods and just exploring. That’s his happy place.”
Police in Japan have ruled out foul play but his cause of death has not been released.
The U.S. Sun has seen dozens of disturbing AI videos and fake articles circulating online as his family has been bombarded with questions.
Jennifer Harper Bowen, a friend of Nancy’s and a fellow Auburn mother, gave a heartbreaking update on social media.
“One thing Nancy shared that has been especially painful is the overwhelming focus on how Weston passed rather than on the loss of Weston himself,” she wrote in a Facebook post.
“Her family has just returned home with their son. They are grieving, in shock, and trying to process an unimaginable tragedy.
“Right now, they do not owe anyone explanations, timelines, answers, or details. What they need most is prayer.
“Nancy shared that during her time in Japan, so many people simply wanted to comfort her, support her, and love her family. Their focus was not on answers it was on people.”
She added, “As this family prepares to lay their precious son to rest, I hope we can do the same. Please give them grace. Give them space. Give them time.
“Pray for Nancy and her husband. Pray for Weston’s brother. Pray for his grandparents, extended family, friends, classmates, and everyone who loved him.
“And before asking for information, place yourself in their shoes and ask: If this were my child, what would I need most right now?
“I suspect the answer would not be questions. It would be love.”
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Jennifer and Weston’s family for comment.
James “Weston” Higginbotham’s mom Nancy has been left heartbroken by her son’s deathCredit: Instagram
His mother thanked others for support and condolences following his deathCredit: facebook/@nancy.higginbotham.50
Replying to comments on her post, Jennifer later added, “Nancy never said she wasn’t going to speak on what happened. Show me where that was ever publicly stated?
“She confided in me that she simply wants the opportunity to bury her firstborn child before worrying about what anyone thinks they are entitled to know.”
Jennifer described Nancy as an “incredible mother and human being ” who will speak out when she is ready and use both Weston’s story and her own to help others.
She also claimed that Weston’s body has been flown back to Alabama from Japan following his death.
“Nancy and her family have now returned home and Delta allowed Weston to fly home with them,” Jennifer wrote.
“She shared how grateful they are for the incredible kindness, compassion, and support they received from the people of Japan throughout this heartbreaking journey.
“One moment that especially touched her heart was the beautiful and dignified way Weston was honored as he made the journey home with his family.
“She expressed deep gratitude for the leaders, volunteers, officials, and countless strangers who showed her family such love and respect during the darkest days of their lives.”
Jennifer claims Weston’s mom is carrying a level of grief that “no parent should ever have to endure” after friends also paid tribute to the college student.
“She told me she is so overcome with endless waves of pain that she feels as though she cannot breathe and gets startled,” her friend revealed.
“In one conversation, she simply asked me to give my son an extra hug.
“As many of you know my Carson is the same age as Weston was and is also an Auburn engineering student. That request alone from her shattered my heart.”
Weston died on May 30, the same day he was last seen by his family, according to an online obituary.
“People who met Weston loved him and he loved them right back. He was inclusive to everyone and had lifelong friends from all backgrounds and walks of life,” it also read.
“If a friend, neighbor, or stranger needed a helping hand, he was the kind of person who showed up without hesitation.
“To honor Weston’s memory, take a walk at a state park, eat a vegan meal this week, stop and admire the sunset, tell those close to you how much you love them, and reduce the noise in your life.”
SOURE: https://www.the-sun.com/news/16509295/weston-higginbotham-cause-death-body/
