A Massachusetts man’s family vacation turned tragic when his body was discovered beneath a house on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, after a 10-day search.
At a Glance
- Stanley Kotowski, 60, from Massachusetts, was found dead under a house in Hilton Head, SC
- Kotowski disappeared on August 16 while on a family vacation
- He was reportedly suffering from severe insomnia and increasing anxiety
- Authorities found his body beneath a residence in the Sea Pines area after 10 days
- An autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause and manner of death
Tragic End to Family Vacation
What started as a relaxing family getaway to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, ended in heartbreak for the Kotowski family. Stanley Kotowski, a 60-year-old man from Massachusetts, vanished without a trace on August 16, 2024, leaving his loved ones desperate for answers. After an extensive 10-day search involving multiple agencies and community volunteers, authorities made a grim discovery that shook the vacation destination.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office reported that on August 26, they were alerted to suspicious activity at a home in the Sea Pines area. During their investigation, they located the body of a deceased male underneath a nearby residence. Officials believe the remains to be those of Stanley Kotowski, bringing a tragic end to the search efforts.
A Troubled State of Mind
According to family members, Kotowski had been experiencing severe insomnia and increasing anxiety in the weeks leading up to the vacation. His wife, Jackie Kotowski, shared troubling details about his mental state prior to his disappearance.
“He had really bad insomnia for about a month. He doesn’t have dementia. His anxiety just kept getting worse and worse and worse and he started to get a little paranoid,” Jackie Kotowski told WJCL 22 News.
Reports indicate that Kotowski left the vacation rental barefoot, without his phone or wallet, appearing confused in Ring doorbell footage. This behavior raised immediate concerns among his family and local authorities.
Extensive Search Efforts
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office launched a comprehensive search operation, utilizing canines, drones, and helicopters to scour the area. The Hilton Head community rallied behind the family, offering support and assistance in the search efforts. Despite these extensive measures, Kotowski’s whereabouts remained a mystery for over a week.
“It is with deep sorrow that I share the heartbreaking news that Stan has been found. Sadly, he is no longer with us. Our hearts are heavy with grief as we begin to process this unimaginable loss.” – Jackie Kotowski
The discovery of Kotowski’s body “four houses down” from the family’s rental unit has left many questions unanswered. Authorities have scheduled an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death, as well as to positively identify the deceased.
Ongoing Investigation
As the community grapples with this tragic outcome, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation into the circumstances surrounding Kotowski’s death. They are urging anyone with information to come forward and contact their non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for vigilance, even during what should be joyous family occasions. As the investigation unfolds, the Kotowski family and the Hilton Head community are left to mourn the loss of a husband, father, and visitor whose vacation ended in unimaginable tragedy.
Sources:
2. Video: Authorities give update following discovery of missing Hilton Head vacationer’s body
