Stanley Kotowski, a 60-year-old man from Massachusetts, went missing while on a family vacation in Hilton Head, South Carolina. According to his wife Jackie, he had been struggling with severe insomnia and anxiety in the weeks leading up to his disappearance. Kotowski became paranoid and believed that people, including authorities, were pursuing him. He was particularly anxious about the ocean due to concerns about sun exposure, jellyfish, and sharks. When he was last seen leaving S. Sea Pines Drive at 10:30 a.m. on August 16, Kotowski was wearing a Coors Light shirt, dark gray shorts, and no shoes.
The family of Stanley Kotowski is appealing to Hilton Head-area residents to assist in the search for him. They are asking anyone who may have seen Kotowski to contact authorities and review their security camera footage for any potential sightings. They are also urging home and business owners to check sheds, pools, and other secluded areas for any signs of Kotowski. If anyone comes across a person they believe to be Stan, they are advised to immediately take a picture, contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, and try to keep him in sight. The family is emphasizing that he should be approached calmly and reassured of his safety, with reminders that his wife and sons are looking for him.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has been actively involved in the search for Kotowski, conducting both land and water searches. Locals reported seeing Kotowski at The Salty Dog on August 16, and authorities have requested video footage from the restaurant. In the footage obtained so far, Kotowski appeared to be walking leisurely just before 10 a.m. His family has informed that the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Coast Guard are also participating in the search efforts. Kotowski is described as 6 ft. tall, weighing approximately 200 lbs, with a strong Boston accent and possible facial hair.
Despite efforts by law enforcement and the local community, including conducting searches and reviewing surveillance footage, Stanley Kotowski remains missing. His family continues to express gratitude for the support received from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies involved in the search. Jackie Kotowski shared her husband’s struggles with insomnia and anxiety, which may have contributed to his disappearance. The family remains hopeful for his safe return and urges anyone with information about Kotowski’s whereabouts to come forward and assist in the search efforts. They are concerned for his well-being and are doing everything in their power to bring him home.
