ALBAWABA - 20 year-old Auburn University student, James “Weston” Higginbotham, was found dead after he went missing during a family trip to Japan.
How AI was behind his dissappearence
Due to an argument with his mother regarding the use of AI and its environmental harm, James left his family and went out on his own in Japan; the family initially tracked him through his phone but after they called him, he turned off the location. He was reported missing by the family when he did not return that night.
James was described as a passionate naturalist, who wanted to protect the environment - going vegan and studying sustainable engineering in University. This may explain his drastic reaction to his mother's use of AI.
The search; police and family
A search commenced after the missing persons’ report, James was last spotted in heading into a mountainous and wooded hiking trail in Yamashina area in Kyoto; the police began the search there but a storm hindered their progress and raised concerns of James’s safety if he was up in the mountains during the storm.
After the storm cleared on Friday, a 72-hour search of the area began involving more than 100 police officers, search dogs, and helicopters. On Saturday, James’s family along with local residents and volunteers began their own search in the places where the police did not search. James’s body was found that Saturday, with an investigation being launched into the cause of death by the Japanese police.
The family thanked everyone who supported them and helped in the search for their missing son.
“The outpouring of kindness and support has carried us through the darkest days of our lives,” the family wrote. “Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support. We will need them now more than ever. We will always love you, Weston.”
Tributes and condolences
After the news spread, James’s university among others paid tribute to him;
Auburn University President Christopher Roberts said in a statement to CNN that the community lost “a valued member of the Auburn Family. On behalf of Auburn University, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of James ‘Weston’ Higginbotham, who died while traveling in Japan,”
James, who was a Hoover, Alabama native will be missed by his community with Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis saying he is “heartbroken” over the news.
“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. Weston was a young man of remarkable character who touched everyone who knew him,” the mayor said. “His loss is a tragedy felt across our entire community,”
Alongside the mayor, US Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville also paid tribute to James on social media; saying in a statement: “Please join us in praying for James’s family, friends, and loved ones as they, and all of Alabama, mourn this tragic loss,”
James was an ardent protector of the environment and a wanderer who loved to travel and enjoy nature. “His goal in life is to travel…and go to all of these amazing mountains and places where he can embed himself in different cultures,” his mom, Nancy Higginbotham said.
