Auburn University student goes missing in Japan: Family warns “don’t post exact location” after ChatGPT-linked travel dispute
Amid the ongoing search, the case also revealed an unusual detail: Her mother had been using ChatGPT to help plan parts of their travel itinerary before she disappeared.
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Family says Weston went missing after solo move in Kyoto
Missing student Weston Higginbotham was traveling to Japan with his parents and younger brother to celebrate a family milestone. The trip started on May 22 and was planned to be a short cultural holiday.
According to his mother, Nancy Higginbotham, things changed suddenly on May 29 after a brief disagreement during the trip. Weston, described by his family as an experienced solo traveler and outdoor enthusiast, decided to strike out on his own.
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Warning about family emotional appeal and social media posts
As the search for Weston Higginbotham intensifies, the family has issued a strong public appeal for information to be shared responsibly online. “If you see him, please do not publicly disclose his exact location.”
They urged people to contact authorities immediately rather than sharing real-time location updates on social media, saying it could interfere with search efforts or put Weston at risk.
“Not unusual for Weston…” — family describes his nature
“It’s not uncommon for Weston to get excited about going into the woods and just exploring. This is his happy place,” Higginbotham told CNN. “I’m thinking… he was in the woods and got lost.”
The family initially thought he might have gone on one of his usual lonely walks. But the concern increased when the phone location stopped updating.
Timeline of disappearance: train stop, shops, then silence
The family said Weston was last seen acting independently after leaving Kyoto Station around 6pm on May 29. While they were still in contact before, phone tracking showed he stopped at several stores before boarding another train. After that the location suddenly closed.
By 2 a.m., with no contact, the family officially reported her missing to local authorities. Weston reportedly had approximately 10,000 Japanese yen (about $62.50) on hand and his phone had 34% battery before losing signal.
CCTV observation near Yamashina district
Local police confirmed that Weston was captured on CCTV walking alone in Kyoto’s Yamashina district at around 8pm.
The route he took reportedly led to a nearby hiking trail and into woodland. Shortly thereafter, weather conditions in the region worsened as a typhoon system approached Kyoto, but authorities believe it may have moved away from the mountains by then.
Search expands: includes police, volunteers and FBI
The search operation now includes Japanese police teams, civilian volunteers and assistance from the FBI as the case attracts international attention. The family also distributed missing persons fliers in Japanese to help local residents identify Weston or report sightings.
According to an unexpected detail shared by the family, Nancy Higginbotham was using ChatGPT to help plan parts of their trip to Japan during the trip.
The remark gained attention online as the family continued to focus on the ongoing investigation rather than speculation.
Auburn University answers
Auburn University confirmed it was aware of Weston’s disappearance and said it was in contact with the family to offer support. This incident was also mentioned in connection with the university’s outreach efforts to the student community.
Search efforts continue in the Kyoto region
As of now, Weston is still missing and the search continues in urban and forest areas around Kyoto. Authorities and family members are urging anyone with information to come forward immediately as the investigation continues.
