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 HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
