Parents of Missing Student James “Weston” Higginbotham Thank Supporters Amid Ongoing Search
The parents of missing Auburn University student James “Weston” Higginbotham, 20, of Hoover, expressed gratitude on Tuesday, June 2, for the continued support, prayers, and social media outreach as efforts to locate him continue in Japan. In a video message, Nancy and Keith Higginbotham thanked supporters in Alabama and abroad for helping spread awareness about their son’s disappearance and said they feel the love and encouragement from both their home community and people in Japan. They said online reposts have been especially important because each share creates another chance for someone in Japan to see Weston’s face and help with the search.
The family said their main hope is that the widespread attention will lead to information that can be reported back to them. They remained optimistic that Weston will be found safely and credited the growing public response for keeping the search active. The parents said they believe the effort is moving them closer to finding him and emphasized that they are confident because so many people continue posting, sharing, and praying.
The video message came as friends, relatives, and community members gathered Tuesday evening, June 2, at Asbury United Methodist Church in Shelby County for a prayer vigil held in Weston’s honor. The vigil reflected the concern and support that has built around the case as the search enters another phase.
According to Facebook posts from his mother, Weston was last confirmed to have been in the Kyoto area of Japan on May 29. Since then, family members have continued to ask the public to share information and awareness posts widely in hopes that someone in Japan may recognize him or provide a useful lead.
The search remains ongoing, and the Higginbotham family says continued social media engagement is vital. They are urging people to keep reposting updates and helping circulate Weston’s photo and information so the search effort can reach more eyes in Japan and beyond.
