Authorities have provided an update on the tragic case of Stanley Kotowski, a 60-year-old man who went missing from his family’s vacation home at the Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island on August 16. Kotowski left the villa without shoes or a phone, and his last known words to his wife were, “Promise me you will go on without me.” His family reported that he had been struggling with mental health issues.
After an extensive search with no leads, a breakthrough occurred when a Sea Pines security officer detected a foul odor while patrolling the neighborhood. The officer noticed flies in the vicinity and contacted the sheriff’s office. Beaufort County deputies discovered Kotowski’s body in a crawl space just four doors down from where his family was staying. An autopsy later determined that he died by suicide, specifically by hanging.
The family expressed their grief over the loss, with Kotowski’s wife, Jackie, taking to Facebook to thank the community for their support, stating, “Our hearts are heavy with grief as we begin to process this unimaginable loss.”
Local authorities acknowledged the challenges faced in locating Kotowski, particularly questioning the effectiveness of search dogs. Despite the outcome, investigators reaffirmed their commitment to diligently follow through on all cases, regardless of how they unfold.
Stanley Kotowski is survived by his wife Jackie and their two sons, Zak and Ryan. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced. For anyone struggling with mental health issues, support is available through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988.