Weston Higginbotham, the Alabama hiker who went missing in Japan, was sadly found dead by a search-and-rescue group in the mountains around Kyoto.
Weston’s parents Nancy and Keith Higginbotham announced this discovery on Facebook, mourning Weston and expressing their gratitude for international support.
“We are deeply grateful to the countless people across the United States, Japan, and around the world who shared Weston’s story, prayed for our family, offered encouragement, and helped in the search efforts,” Nancy Higginbotham wrote. “The outpouring of kindness and support has carried us through the darkest days of our lives.”
The family is now requesting privacy as they grieve their loss.
Nancy’s full statement reads:
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.
We are forever grateful for the time we had with our sweet, precious Weston, but cannot begin to understand what life without him will be like.
We are deeply grateful to the countless people across the United States, Japan, and around the world who shared Weston’s story, prayed for our family, offered encouragement, and helped in the search efforts. The outpouring of kindness and support has carried us through the darkest days of our lives.
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.
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support. We will need them now more than ever.
We will always love you, Weston.
Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis released a statement on the unfortunate news. Derzis wrote,
Like so many in our community, Stephanie and I are heartbroken at the news of Weston Higginbotham’s passing.
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.
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.
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Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville shared his condolences over Facebook, writing, “Truly heartbreaking news. My prayers are with the Higginbotham family and loved ones.”
