Friends and family of James “Weston” Higginbotham are sharing new details about the final hours before the Auburn University student was found dead in Japan, explaining why they believe he was alone in the woods when tragedy struck.

Weston, 20, disappeared on May 29 while vacationing in Japan with his family, triggering an extensive search that lasted more than a week.

His mother, Nancy Higginbotham, later announced that a volunteer search-and-rescue team discovered his body at approximately 2:35 p.m. on Saturday in a mountainous area of Kyoto’s Yamashina Ward.

Authorities have not released an official cause of death, but police told CNN that foul play has been ruled out.

According to reports, Weston became separated from his family after a disagreement with his mother during the trip. Family members believe the nature-loving college student decided to spend time alone exploring Kyoto while the rest of the family visited a temple.

Weston, who was known for his love of the outdoors and environmental conservation, was believed to be heading toward nearby hiking trails. Friends and relatives suspect he underestimated the dangers of the area as weather conditions deteriorated ahead of a typhoon that later complicated search efforts.

Investigators believe Weston left the area around 6 p.m. on May 29. His cellphone reportedly lost network service at approximately 8:29 p.m.

Security camera footage captured him around 8 p.m. walking alone in Kyoto’s Yamashina district along a route leading toward local hiking trails and wooded areas.

Reports indicated that he stopped at a hardware store before heading toward the trail system. When family members were unable to reach him by phone or text message, he was reported missing at approximately 2 a.m.

Those closest to Weston have pushed back against any suggestion that he intentionally disappeared or sought to harm himself.

Family friend Jennifer Harper Bowen told NBC News that she believes he simply wanted time alone after becoming upset.

“He was upset and he wanted space, so I don’t think he turned his phone off because he didn’t want to be found,” Bowen said. “He turned his phone off because he was upset.”

“I don’t think he intentionally ran away or tried to harm himself or anything like that. I think this is just a very bad set of circumstances and very bad timing.”

Nancy Higginbotham echoed those sentiments, explaining that spending time in nature was something her son often did to clear his mind.

“It’s not unusual for Weston to blow off steam going to the woods and just exploring. That’s his happy place,” she told CNN.

Close friend Audrey Daniels described Weston as an experienced hiker who frequently turned to outdoor adventures as a way to relax and recharge.

“He was definitely an experienced hiker and that was a mode of decompression for him as well,” Daniels said.

Weston was last seen wearing a “Save the Bees” T-shirt, a reflection of his passion for environmental causes.

Friends remembered him as a kind, intelligent young man who cared deeply about people and the natural world.

“He had such a big heart for his friends and family, for strangers, and especially, of course, for the environment,” Daniels said.

“I’m going to remember him as such a fun kid to be around. He was extremely smart, extremely well-rounded. Whenever he was at the house, it was such a joy to see him.”

Following the discovery of his body, Weston’s family released a heartbreaking statement expressing their grief.

“Our family is heartbroken to share that Weston was found deceased by a volunteer search-and-rescue group in a mountainous area outside of Kyoto,” the family wrote.

“The grief we feel is impossible to put into words.”

Nancy Higginbotham added that the family is struggling to comprehend life without her son.

“We are forever grateful for the time we had with our sweet, precious Weston, but cannot begin to understand what life without him will be like.”

The family also thanked the thousands of people across the United States, Japan, and around the world who helped spread awareness about the search and offered support during the ordeal.

“The outpouring of kindness and support has carried us through the darkest days of our lives,” the statement said.

As they mourn Weston’s loss, the family has requested privacy while they navigate what they described as an unimaginable tragedy.

Weston’s grandmother, Judy Higginbotham, previously said his disappearance was completely out of character for the experienced outdoorsman.

“My grandson is very knowledgeable of the woods, and he camps, and all that,” she said. “This is not like my Weston.”

During the trip, the Higginbotham family had also reunited with Weston’s childhood friend, Hiyu Shiraki, whom he had not seen since they attended school together in the United States.

Following news of Weston’s death, Shiraki offered his condolences to the grieving family.

“I would just like to say let Weston rest in peace in heaven and my deepest condolences to his family,” he said.

“He was such a wonderful friend and I am truly heartbroken that their trip had turned out this way.”