Missing Vacationer Found Dead Beneath Home After Disappearance

Authorities in South Carolina have confirmed the discovery of the body of Stanley Kotowski, a 60-year-old man from Massachusetts, who went missing over a week ago while vacationing on Hilton Head Island with his family.

Kotowski was last seen on August 16, having left the family rental in Sea Pines earlier that day. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office reported that he had been experiencing a mental health crisis prior to his disappearance.

His body was found on Monday in a crawl space beneath a home in Sea Pines, approximately 600 feet from where he was last spotted. The coroner’s office ruled his death a suicide by asphyxiation due to hanging, as confirmed by Beaufort County Coroner David Ott during a press briefing.

On the day his body was discovered, deputies responded to the home around 11:30 a.m. due to reported suspicious activity. A security officer in Sea Pines noticed a foul odor and an unusual presence of flies, prompting him to contact the sheriff’s office, as detailed by Beaufort County Sheriff’s Lt. Eric Calendine.

Approximately four hours later, Kotowski was recovered from the three-foot-high crawl space. Officials stated he likely died the same day he went missing, although the precise time remains undetermined.

The sheriff expressed disappointment over the outcome, stating, “Just wish the outcome was different.” He noted the crawl space’s unique entry point might have contributed to it being overlooked during the extensive search conducted by deputies and community volunteers.

Kotowski’s family reported him missing just two hours after he was last seen. He was classified as endangered due to his mental condition, his prolonged absence, and the fact that he was last captured on camera without shoes.

His wife, Jackie Kotowski, informed deputies that her husband had expressed concerns about feeling persecuted, claiming that he believed Sea Pines was a “setup” and that people were conspiring against him. Additionally, she recounted a troubling statement he made before departing: “Promise me you will go on without me.”

Prior to his disappearance, Kotowski was reportedly battling anxiety and insomnia. Jackie mentioned that he had recently been struggling, saying, “He had really bad insomnia for about a month. This is like a brand-new thing.” She emphasized that despite his difficulties, he did not exhibit signs of dementia, but his anxiety had steadily worsened, contributing to his paranoia and fear.

It was revealed that Kotowski sought medical assistance for his mental health prior to going missing. Upon leaving the rental, he did not take with him any personal belongings, such as his phone or wallet.

Out of consideration for the local residents and those visiting the community, authorities have not disclosed the specific location where his body was found. They extended their gratitude to the community members who participated in the search efforts, which included checking their properties and surveillance cameras.

“I’m very thankful for the community itself for what they did during this whole endeavor,” said Calendine.

If you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts or requires support, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. This service provides confidential emotional support, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.