Parents thank – Nancy and Keith Higginbotham thanked supporters in Alabama and abroad in a June 2 video message, saying social media outreach is helping their missing Auburn University student, 20-year-old James “Weston” Higginbotham, be seen in Japan. Their message came as f
When the video message started, Nancy and Keith Higginbotham didn’t speak like people waiting in silence. They spoke like parents who’ve learned that every repost can travel farther than the last hope.
In a message released June 2, the parents of missing Auburn University student James “Weston” Higginbotham said they were grateful for continued support, prayers, and social media outreach as efforts to locate their son continue in Japan.
“We truly feel them,” one of Weston’s parents said, referring to the thoughts and prayers coming from supporters both in Alabama and abroad. “We feel the love and the support that you guys have given us and that the community in Japan has given us as well.”
The family pointed to the way online sharing has widened the search beyond their immediate circle, especially among people in Japan.
“Every time that you guys repost on social media, it’s an opportunity for somebody in Japan to see it,” the family said in the video. “Our ultimate goal is for people in Japan to see Weston’s face so that they can report back to us.”
They said they remain hopeful that he will be found safely, and credited supporters for keeping attention on the search.
“We’re continuing to get closer and closer to finding him,” the parents said. “We’re confident we’re going to find him because of everybody’s help and posting and getting the word out.”
The message was released as friends, family members, and community supporters gathered Tuesday evening at Asbury United Methodist Church in Shelby County for a prayer vigil in honor of the missing student.
Facebook posts from Weston’s mother, Nancy, said Weston was last confirmed to have been in the Kyoto area of Japan on May 29.
The search remains ongoing. Family members have encouraged the public to continue sharing information and awareness posts as efforts to locate Weston continue.
James "Weston" Higginbotham Auburn University student missing Hoover Japan search Kyoto prayer vigil Asbury United Methodist Church social media outreach
So he’s in Japan?? That’s wild. I hope they find him soon.
I mean social media is always the answer right? Like just keep reposting his face and someone will magically spot him in Kyoto. But also… how did he even end up there in the first place, was this planned or not?
Prayers are nice but I feel like this is the part where people say “it’s working” because everyone likes the posts. If they’re “getting closer,” why aren’t they saying anything specific? Also Asbury United Methodist—hope the church has translators for Japan, because otherwise what good is it.
Alabama and Japan like… that’s a long way to thank people. I saw something about Kyoto earlier and thought it was already confirmed he was found? Maybe I’m mixing it up with another missing kid. Anyway, I’m glad they’re still posting. If someone has him, just contact Auburn or the police or whoever, stop waiting.