Authorities in South Carolina believe they have located the body of a missing Massachusetts man, Stanley Kotowski, who vanished over a week ago while on holiday with his family on Hilton Head Island. According to a Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office report, Kotowski, age 60, was last seen departing his family’s rental in Sea Pines on the morning of 16 August.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that a body, thought to be Kotowski’s, was discovered under a residence in Sea Pines on Monday. Responding to reports of suspicious activity, authorities arrived at the home around 11:30 a.m. ET on Monday. The body was recovered approximately four hours later, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office.
The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office is scheduled to perform an autopsy on Tuesday to confirm the body’s identity and ascertain the cause of death, the sheriff’s office stated. The sheriff’s office expressed gratitude for the support from other agencies, Sea Pines Security, and the local community during the search for Kotowski.
@bcsopio has released more video of Stan Kotowoski. The man missing on Hilton Head Island since last Friday. They are asking for any information or video from residents to get a better idea of his path and location. If you can help. Call 843-524-2777 @WSAV pic.twitter.com/BQbcpozkor
— Andrew Davis (@WSAVAndrewD) August 24, 2024
Kotowski was reported missing by his family roughly two hours after his last sighting, stated Master Sergeant Daniel Allen of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. He was considered endangered due to his mental state, the duration of his disappearance, and the fact he was last seen barefoot on a Ring camera, Allen noted.
Jackie Kotowski informed deputies that her husband believed Sea Pines was part of a conspiracy against him and felt people were watching him, as per the incident report.
His family shared with ABC Savannah affiliate WJCL that Kotowski had been grappling with severe anxiety prior to his disappearance. Jackie Kotowski mentioned that her husband suffered from significant insomnia for about a month, leading to increased paranoia and anxiety, though he did not have dementia. Kotowski left the rental without taking any personal belongings such as his phone or wallet, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Fox News details the search for Stanley Kotowski, a Massachusetts man missing from a South Carolina vacation, seen leaving his rental on August 16 in new video footage.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is Stanley Kotowski?
Stanley Kotowski is a 60-year-old man from Massachusetts who went missing while vacationing on Hilton Head Island, SC.
Where was Stanley Kotowski last seen?
He was last seen leaving his family’s vacation rental in Sea Pines on August 16.
Where was the body believed to be Kotowski found?
The body was found under a home in Sea Pines.
Why was Stanley Kotowski considered endangered?
He was considered endangered due to his mental state, the length of time missing, and being last seen without shoes.
What will the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office do next?
The Coroner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the manner of death and positively identify the body.