HOOVER, Ala. — The Hoover community is mourning the loss of Weston Higginbotham, 21, whose body was found days ago in a forested area in Kyoto, Japan, hours after he took a walk on one of the trails in the area.
Keith and Nancy Higginbotham wrote a heartfelt obituary for their beloved son — a Spain Park High School graduate and Auburn University engineering major remembered for his adventurous spirit and maturity far beyond his years.
“Weston had an adventurous spirit whether it was skiing fearlessly right up to the point of wiping out, hitting big jumps on his mountain bike, or hiking Yosemite, the Pyrenees Mountains, Camino de Santiago, and the Swiss Alps,” his parents wrote. “If there was sunshine and outdoor adventure to be had, he was there.”
In his family, Weston was the adventure leader. His family followed without reservation, knowing he researched the best camping spot, hidden overlook, or the most authentic restaurant — and could navigate most often with only a paper map.
Friends and professors at Auburn describe him as brilliant, kind, and grounded. At Spain Park, he was known as a driven student with a love for the outdoors that shaped how he lived.
Honoring His Memory
“To honor Weston’s memory, take a walk at a state park, eat a vegan meal this week, stop and admire the sunset, tell those close to you how much you love them, and reduce the noise in your life,” his family asked.
Weston Higginbotham was a brilliant young man with a maturity far beyond his years.
May our condolences bring Weston’s parents and brother peace. The community is praying for the Higginbotham family to find comfort during this unimaginable loss.
May he rest in peace.