A tragic conclusion has been reached in the search for 60-year-old Stanley Kotowski, a Massachusetts man who went missing during a family vacation on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Kotowski, who had been missing for several days, was found dead under a house in the Sea Pines neighborhood, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO). His disappearance and the circumstances surrounding his death have left his family and friends devastated.

A Sudden and Troubling Disappearance

Stanley Kotowski was last seen on the morning of August 16, leaving a condo on South Sea Pines Drive. Surveillance footage captured him walking barefoot, without any personal belongings, including his phone, which immediately raised alarms for his family. His wife, Jackie Kotowski, reported that Stanley had been suffering from severe insomnia and increasing anxiety in the weeks leading up to the trip. She shared with local news that his mental state had recently deteriorated, leading to paranoia and delusional thoughts.

“He had really bad insomnia for about a month,” Jackie told Boston 25 News. “This is a brand new thing. He doesn’t have dementia, but his anxiety just kept getting worse and worse, and he started to get a little paranoid. He thought someone was chasing him.” The day he disappeared, Stanley reportedly told his wife, “Promise me you will go on without me,” a statement that now haunts her. As the search for Kotowski intensified, his family grew increasingly concerned. His son, Zak, described his father as a strong and athletic man who could cover significant distances even in a distressed state. Zak held onto the hope that someone might spot his father on a security camera or provide information that could aid in the search.

An Intensive Search Effort

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with other agencies and Sea Pines security, launched a comprehensive search operation to locate Kotowski. The search involved multiple resources, including K9 units, helicopters, drones, boats, and foot patrols. The sheriff’s office scoured wood lines, unoccupied buildings, and other areas throughout the island, while also placing Kotowski’s information in a national missing persons database. Despite these extensive efforts, Kotowski’s body was eventually discovered under a house in the Sea Pines neighborhood on Monday, August 26. The discovery brought an end to the search but left many questions unanswered. The BCSO is expected to release further details about the circumstances of Kotowski’s disappearance and death in the coming days.

A Community in Mourning

The news of Stanley Kotowski’s death has sent shockwaves through his community in Massachusetts and among those who knew him on Hilton Head Island. Described by his family as a beloved father and a kind-hearted man, his sudden disappearance and tragic death have left a profound impact on those who loved him. The family has not yet made a public statement following the confirmation of his death, but their grief is undoubtedly immense.

As the investigation continues, Kotowski’s story serves as a somber reminder of the complexities of mental health and the unexpected tragedies that can unfold. His loved ones are left to navigate the pain of his loss while holding onto the memories of the man they cherished.