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Massachusetts Man Vanishes During Hilton Head Family Vacation, Initiates Extensive Search by Law Enforcement

Family vacation search efforts

Massachusetts Man Disappears on Family Vacation in Hilton Head, Search Underway

Hilton Head, South Carolina: A worrying situation is unfolding as Stanley Kotowski, a 60-year-old Massachusetts man, has mysteriously disappeared during his family vacation on Hilton Head Island on Friday. It’s speculated that his sudden absence might be related to a worsening mental health state, leading to intensified search efforts by local law enforcement.

Kotowski Departed Vacation Home Without Shoes or Cell Phone

Stanley was last seen around the family’s vacation rental on the morning of August 16th, leaving the premises without shoes, his cell phone, or wallet. The concerning details were shared via a Facebook post from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. Stanley’s relatives from Methuen, near Boston, expressed anxiety over his mental health, citing his recent struggles with insomnia and rising paranoia, fearing someone was pursuing him.

In a media interview, Stanley’s spouse, Jackie Kotowski, mentioned, “He had, like, really bad insomnia for about a month. His anxiety just kept getting worse and worse and worse. And he started to get a little paranoid. He thought someone was chasing him.” His son, Zak Kotowski, also highlighted Stanley’s otherwise robust health and athletic nature, which could facilitate his travel even in a disoriented state.

Elevated Search Actions for Kotowski

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has since engaged in an extensive search, utilizing canines, drones, and helicopters to locate Stanley. The search operation on the ground and in the air — combing backyards, residential zones, and forested areas — continued into Tuesday afternoon, as per the Sheriff’s Office’s latest update on Facebook. Firefighters have also become part of the search endeavor.

To aid the search on a national level, Stanley’s data has been inserted into national databases and distributed to state-wide agencies.

The missing man, Stanley, was last spotted in a dark Coors light t-shirt, dark blue or black shorts, and without shoes. He is characterized as 6 feet in height, approximately 200 pounds, with short brown hair, brown eyes, and dons a strong Boston accent.

Investigators have latched onto a clue collected from a local resident’s Ring camera, pleading with surrounding neighbours to inspect their security footage for possible leads on Stanley’s disappearance. Information on Stanley’s whereabouts can be conveyed to Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office’s non-emergency line at 843-524-2777.


STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH

The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

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