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 LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette 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 Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
