As friends and family continue mourning the loss of James ‘Weston’ Higginbotham, one of the most emotional tributes has come from someone who knew him long before the world learned his name.
Weston’s best friend has now broken his silence following the heartbreaking discovery of the 20-year-old’s body in the mountains outside Kyoto after a week-long search.
Speaking through grief, he described Weston as far more than a friend.
“He was like a brother to me.”
The two first met as children in Alabama and remained close throughout their early school years. Although life eventually took them in different directions, they never forgot their friendship. Earlier this year, fate brought them back together when they reunited in Japan for the first time in several years.
According to his friend, their reunion in Tokyo was filled with laughter, conversation, and memories.
The pair met on May 22 and spent time catching up over dinner with Weston’s family. They talked about school, travel, life, and future plans. Looking back, his friend says nothing about the meeting suggested anything was wrong.
“He seemed happy.”
That is one of the details that continues to weigh heavily on him.
Weston reportedly appeared excited about exploring Japan and spoke enthusiastically about the trip. The two discussed a wide range of topics, including nature, environmental issues, and technology. His friend remembers a young man who was curious, thoughtful, and fully engaged with the world around him.
After the reunion, the two stayed in contact briefly.
As weather conditions worsened and a typhoon approached parts of Japan, his friend attempted to check in with Weston to see how the trip was going. Those messages never received a reply.
Soon afterward, Weston was reported missing.
Authorities later determined he had been last seen near the Yamashina area of Kyoto before heading toward nearby mountainous terrain. Search efforts involving police, helicopters, search dogs, volunteers, and rescue teams continued for days despite difficult weather and challenging conditions.
Throughout the search, Weston’s friend remained hopeful.
He described the area as beautiful but potentially dangerous, especially following heavy rainfall. While he knew Weston loved the outdoors and had experience in nature, he worried about the steep terrain, muddy trails, and unstable conditions created by the storm.
Then came the news nobody wanted to hear.
After days of searching, a volunteer search-and-rescue team discovered Weston’s body in a mountainous area outside Kyoto, bringing a tragic end to the effort.
For his friend, the loss remains difficult to comprehend.
Reflecting on their years of friendship, he said he hopes people remember Weston for the person he was—a caring friend, a passionate learner, and someone who genuinely cared about the world around him.
“He was such a good friend.”
His thoughts now remain with Weston’s family, who have faced unimaginable heartbreak throughout the past week.
“They just want him back. That’s all that matters.”
As tributes continue to pour in from both the United States and Japan, those closest to Weston are remembering not the circumstances of his death, but the kindness, curiosity, and friendship he shared during his life.
And for one grieving friend, the memories of that final reunion in Tokyo have become something he will carry forever. 💔
