Massachusetts Man’s Mysterious Death in South Carolina Vacation Shakes Family: ‘Unimaginable Loss’
Authorities find Massachusetts man’s body under Hilton Head house
A man from Massachusetts was recently found dead beneath a house in Hilton Head, South Carolina, marking an appalling end to his family vacation. Stanley Kotowski, 60, a well-loved resident of Massachusetts who was reported missing from the popular vacation spot on August 16, was discovered deceased in unsettling circumstances 10 days later.
Tragic end to family vacation
Family members recall that Kotowski was notably dealing with insomnia and growing anxiety on the morning he wandered off from the family’s vacation rental in Hilton Head. His unexpected disappearance initiated a county-wide police search, culminating in the unfortunate discovery of his remains. A grief-stricken message from Jackie Kotowski, the deceased’s spouse, expressed the devastating impact of this unfortunate event: “Our hearts are heavy with grief as we begin to process this unimaginable loss.”
Jackie demonstrated immense gratitude towards those who extended their support, shared information, and participated in the search for her husband. She implored for continuous thoughts and prayers from the community during the troubling times and promised to provide more information regarding further arrangements at a suitable time.
The unsettling discovery
Authorities found Kotowski’s body “beneath a residence” in the tranquil Sea Pines area of Hilton Head, a popular vacation area on South Carolina’s coast. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office revealed in a statement, “Throughout the course of the investigation, the body of a deceased male was located underneath a residence,” confirming their belief that the deceased was indeed Stanley Kotowski.
Clues from security footage
A day before the body was found, Ring doorbell footage was released, shedding light on Kotowski’s last known movements. Captured on the day of his disappearance, the video shows the Massachusetts man leaving the rental residence, appearing visibly disoriented as he halts and surveys the area before wandering off barefoot.
Disturbing signs of paranoia
Kotowski’s wife unfolded a disturbing narrative in which her husband’s anxiety and paranoia seemed to have noticeably escalated prior to his disappearance. Contrary to any speculation, she clarified that her husband did not suffer from dementia. Instead, his paranoia had amplified, leading him to express unsettling beliefs about the area and its inhabitants.
According to a report, Stanley told Jackie just before he vanished, “Promise me you will go on without me,” a haunting statement that will, unfortunately, become a reality as the family and community mourn the sudden and tragic loss of Stanley Kotowski. The county coroner is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death and further details are awaited.
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.
