Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – A tragic discovery was made on Hilton Head Island when a Massachusetts man who had been missing for over a week was found dead. The family of Stanley Kotowski, 60, confirmed the heartbreaking news, revealing that his body was located just four houses down from their rental unit, concealed beneath a home. Kotowski was last seen on August 16, leaving their vacation rental without his shoes, phone, or driver’s license. His wife, Jackie Kotowski, described his struggles with severe insomnia, anxiety, and paranoia leading up to his disappearance.
The extensive search efforts for Kotowski lasted for 10 days until a Sea Pines security officer detected a foul smell and bugs which led to the discovery of his body in a crawl space just a few doors down from where his family was staying. Beaufort County Coroner David Ott confirmed that Kotowski had taken his own life by hanging himself and asphyxiation on the same day he disappeared. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded promptly to the situation, organizing a thorough search operation involving canines, drones, and helicopters.
According to reports from the BCSO, Jackie Kotowski shared her husband’s concerns of feeling like Sea Pines was a “set up” and expressing beliefs of a conspiracy against him by people in the area. Before his departure, Stanley’s emotional parting words to his wife echoed a request for her to carry on without him. The local community rallied behind the grieving family, offering support through social media as they navigated through this devastating loss.
As the news of Stanley Kotowski’s tragic fate circulated, countless individuals extended their kindness to the family, providing accommodations and assistance during the challenging times. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office continued to share updates and details regarding the case, shedding light on the unfortunate events surrounding Kotowski’s demise. The heartbreaking story serves as a reminder of the complexities of mental health struggles and the importance of support and understanding in times of crisis.