Massachusetts Man Missing on Hilton Head Island During Family Vacation
A father from Massachusetts has been reported missing while vacationing with his family on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The individual, Stanley Kotowski, 60, was last spotted barefoot and without personal belongings, leaving the family’s vacation rental property around 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024.
The Disappearance
The moment of Kotowski’s departure was captured by a Ring doorbell camera, where he was seen cresting the green lawns of South Sea Pines Drive. According to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, he did not carry any personal items with him, including his wallet and phone. The only identifying factors are a Coors Light T-shirt and a pair of shorts.
“We love him and we miss him. We just want him to come home,” said his son, Zak Kotowski, in a voice trembling with concern. He further added, “You’re not in trouble, Dad. We love you.”
An Unsuspected Walk
During an emotional interview, Stanley’s wife, Jackie Kotowski, described her husband’s actions as unexpected. The jovial father of her children “just walked out the door” of their vacation rental and vanished. She did, however, reveal that Stanley has been wrestling with insomnia and anxiety of late, but emphatically stated that “he doesn’t have dementia.”
“His anxiety just kept getting worse and worse and worse, and he started to get a little paranoid,” Jackie added, her tone reflective of the sting of confusion and pain left by Stanley’s sudden absence.
The Search
Mobilizing a wide range of resources, authorities launched a massive search operation involving K9 units, helicopters, drones, boats, and foot patrols to scour every inch of Hilton Head Island for any trace of Kotowski. The search operation is currently underway, primarily conducting queries through residential and wooded areas in several parts of the southern Beaufort County.
The local community has been asked not to interfere with the search and rescue operations. However, they are strongly urged to come forward with any information that may help locate Kotowski. Those living near the areas where Kotowski disappeared are also requested to check their properties for any signs of the missing man.
In a bid to piece together Kotowski’s final movements, the sheriff’s office is appealing to residents and businesses in the vicinity to review their surveillance footage to determine if they can spot Kotowski.
Call For Community Assistance
Authorities have encouraged anyone who encounters Stanley or possesses any information about his whereabouts to immediately dial 843-524-2777. His family continues to await his return, holding on to hope against the rising tide of apprehension and uncertainty.
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.
