Higginbotham’s family said he went to explore on his own before going missing. Police believed he went to explore local hiking trails and turned off his GPS.
Mᴀssive search teams looked for him throughout the week.
Nancy Higginbotham said the family traveled to Japan to celebrate one of their children getting straight A’s throughout high school.
The 20-year-old’s mother said the family is grateful for the time they spent together but cannot begin to understand what life without him will be like.
The Higginbotham family thanked everyone for their help and support.