Body of Missing Massachusetts Man Found in Hilton Head Island

Authorities in South Carolina have discovered the body of a man who had been missing for over a week in Hilton Head Island.

The remains, believed to be those of 60-year-old Stanley Kotowski from Massachusetts, were found on Tuesday beneath a house at Sea Pines. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of suspicious activity around 11:30 a.m. on Monday, leading to the discovery of Kotowski’s body.

Stanley Kotowski was reported missing by his family on August 16, 2024, while vacationing at a rental property in Hilton Head. At the time, law enforcement officials had expressed concerns for his safety but did not provide specific details regarding their worries.

Prior to the discovery of his body, the sheriff’s department released video footage from a ring doorbell that showed Kotowski leaving the rental home around 10:30 a.m. on the day he went missing. He was last seen barefoot, without his phone or wallet.

The extensive search operations conducted by law enforcement included the use of K9s, helicopters, drones, and foot patrols in various neighborhoods and wooded areas. Despite these efforts, the search yielded few leads until the report on Monday.

His family shared their distress over his disappearance, describing the situation as a “nightmare.” They revealed that Kotowski had been struggling with issues such as anxiety, insomnia, and paranoia. His wife, Jackie Kotowski, stated that he believed he was being followed.

The sheriff’s office has confirmed that an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. The body was recovered by 3:30 p.m. on the same day of the discovery.