The parents of a missing Auburn University student from Hoover expressed gratitude Tuesday for the continued support, prayers, and social media outreach as efforts to locate their son continue in Japan.
In a video message released June 2, Nancy and Keith Higginbotham thanked supporters both in Alabama and abroad for helping spread awareness about 20-year-old James “Weston” Higginbotham’s disappearance.
“We truly feel them,” one of Weston’s parents said, referring to the thoughts and prayers from supporters. “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 said social media shares and online posts have played a critical role in increasing awareness of the search effort, particularly 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.”
Weston’s parents said they remain hopeful that he will be found safely and credited supporters for helping keep attention focused on the search.
“We’re continuing to get closer and closer to finding him,” they 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.
According to Facebook posts from his mother, Nancy, Weston was last confirmed to have been in the Kyoto area of Japan on May 29.
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The search remains ongoing. Family members have encouraged the public to continue sharing information and awareness posts as efforts to locate Weston continue.
