Massachusetts Man Disappears Without a Trace in South Carolina
What Happened?
Stanley Kotowski, a 60-year-old man from Methuen, Massachusetts, has gone missing while on a family vacation in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Last seen on August 16, authorities in Beaufort County are conducting exhaustive investigations to locate him.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has reported that Kotowski was last seen around 10:30 a.m. at the S. Sea Pines Drive in Hilton Head. The family shared that Kotowski has been facing severe insomnia and has become increasingly worried and paranoid over recent times, factors that may have influenced his disappearance.
Kotowski was reported to have been dressed in a Coors Light Shirt and dark gray shorts with no shoes on at the time of his disappearance. The family has made heartfelt appeals to residents of the Hilton Head area to share any information about Kotowski’s whereabouts or any sightings of him.
Fears and Concerns
Over the past month, Kotowski’s struggle with severe insomnia fuelled an increased sense of anxiety. His wife, Jackie, took it to social media to reveal that her husband developed a paranoia during the week prior to his disappearance, worrying that he was being pursued by people, including authorities.
She also shared that the ocean seemed to trigger his anxiety, due to fears of sun exposure, jellyfish, and sharks. This fear of the ocean seemed intensified on their Hilton Head vacation, perhaps contributing to his current predicament.
The family has asked everyone in and around the Hilton Head area to review their security camera footage, in the hopes of finding any clues to his vanish. They also urged property owners to thoroughly inspect secluded sites such as sheds, swimming pools, or other potential hiding spots.
In the unfortunate case anybody should encounter Kotowski, they are requested to immediately contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, snap a picture of him if possible, and to calmly assure him that he is safe, and that his family is looking for him.
Focused Investigation
An investigation spearheaded by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is underway. The sheriff’s department has undertaken persistent efforts in conducting both land and water searches, going the extra mile to locate the missing man. Residents in the area have noted Kotowski at The Salty Dog on August 16. The authorities have collected video footage from the restaurant to closely analyze the missing man’s movements.
Kotowski, currently lost to his loved ones, is described as a 6-feet tall individual, weighing around 200 lbs. and sporting a strong Boston accent. He may have grown some facial hair since he was last seen. If anybody holds any crucial information about Stanley Kotowski, they are encouraged to call the Beaufort County dispatch at 843-524-2777.
Ongoing Efforts to Find Stan
While the sheriff’s office is doing everything within their power to trace Kotowski, other regional and federal authorities have also joined the search. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Coast Guard have stepped up to contribute their resources in finding the missing man. Stan’s family, law enforcement, and whole communities continue to hold out hope for his safe return.
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.
