A man from Massachusetts, Stanley Kotowski, was found dead under a home in Hilton Head, South Carolina, on Monday, and authorities have ruled his death a suicide. According to officials, Kotowski’s body was discovered in a crawlspace located approximately 100 to 150 yards from where he was last seen. The 60-year-old died from asphyxiation due to hanging.
Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner described the situation as “very unusual” and acknowledged the difficulties encountered during the days-long search for Kotowski, especially since his family reported he was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time. He pointed out that the area where Kotowski was found was close to the villa where he was vacationing with his wife and two family friends, making the search more challenging.
Kotowski was last spotted leaving a building on South Sea Pines Drive wearing a gray T-shirt and dark shorts, but he was not wearing any shoes when he disappeared on August 16.
His body was located after a security officer in the Sea Pines community detected a foul odor and noticed flies in the vicinity, although initially unable to find him. Ultimately, searchers discovered a hatch near an outdoor shower that led to the crawlspace where Kotowski’s body was located.
While authorities have shared limited information regarding the circumstances of Kotowski’s death, Sheriff Tanner mentioned that an apparatus was found that limited oxygen intake. The community’s response to the search for Kotowski was praised for its cooperation.