A Massachusetts man who was found dead beneath a Hilton Head, South Carolina, home on Monday has been ruled to have died by suicide, according to authorities. Stanley Kotowski, 60, was discovered in a crawlspace located approximately 100 to 150 yards from where he was last seen alive. The cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation by hanging.
Beaufort County officials provided further details about the circumstances of Kotowski’s death, noting that he had been reported missing during a mental health crisis. Sheriff P.J. Tanner remarked that the situation was “very unusual,” expressing surprise that the prolonged search effort did not locate him closer to the villa where he had been staying with family and friends.
Kotowski was last seen on August 16, leaving a building on South Sea Pines Drive while dressed in a grey T-shirt and dark shorts, but without shoes.
The search took a critical turn when a security officer from the Sea Pines community detected an unpleasant odor and noticed flies, although he initially could not find the source. Eventually, searchers discovered a hatch near an outdoor shower that led to the small crawlspace where Kotowski’s body was found.
Details surrounding the exact circumstances of his death remain sparse. Sheriff Tanner did not clarify whether Kotowski’s death was intentional or accidental but indicated that a device was used to restrict oxygen intake. The local community showed significant cooperation during the search efforts for Kotowski.