Massachusetts Man Goes Missing from Family Vacation in South Carolina’s Hilton Head
A 60-year-old Massachusetts man, Stanley Kotowski, has mysteriously disappeared during a family vacation in Hilton Head, South Carolina. As per the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), Kotowski was last observed on August 16, departing from S. Sea Pines Drive around 10:30 a.m.
Kotowski’s Struggles
Kotowski, a resident of Methuen, Massachusetts, has reportedly been grappling with severe insomnia and progressively elevating anxiousness in the previous month. Reflecting on the shocking incident, his wife, Jackie, posted a statement on a social platform: “Stan became paranoid, thinking that people, including authorities, were pursuing him.” She further specified that her husband had developed a significant fear of the ocean, attributing it to sharks, jellyfish, and solar exposure.
Last Seen
On his disappearance day, Kotowski was reported to be clad in a Coors Light shirt, dark gray shorts, and was barefooted. His family has made an appeal, urging individuals in the Hilton Head vicinity who may have noticed Kotowski to get in touch with law enforcement, and to inspect any footage from their security cameras that could potentially show the missing man. They also recommended homeowners and businesses to check around secluded areas like sheds and pools.
Pleas to Local Community
“If you encounter someone you believe to be Stan, immediately snap a photo and contact BCSO, and attempt to keep him visible,” the family metaphorically sounded an alarm. They further advised: “Calmly assure him he is safe, let him know his wife and sons are here and are trying to locate him.” Breaking emotional, they commended the sheriff’s office’s support and relentless attempt to bring Kotowski back home.
Search For Missing Man
In the meantime, the local community reported seeing Kotowski at The Salty Dog on August 16. Consequently, the authorities have requisitioned footage from the restaurant. While preliminary review of the retrieved footage showed Kotowski around 10 a.m., he did not appear to be rushed, instead “sauntering,” as his wife characterized it. Likewise, they have expanded the search operation by involving the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Missing Man Description
Kotowski is a six-foot-tall male, weighs approximately 200 pounds, may sport some facial hair and speaks with a noticeable Boston accent. Anyone with useful information regarding his whereabouts is requested to contact the Beaufort County dispatch on 843-524-2777.
While this incident leaves the family and friends in shock, the local community remains vigilant and hopeful as intensive search operations continue. The missing man’s family appreciates all the support they’ve received during this stressful time. As they remain hopeful, they encourage people to be watchful in their surrounding areas and report any potential sightings of the missing man to the relevant authorities.
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.
