“The loss of Stan has changed our family forever and left a void that cannot be described in words,” Stanley Kotowski’s wife said after police announced the cause of death earlier this week.
The family of Stanley Kotowski, the man who found dead under a neighbor’s house Days after his disappearance in Hilton Head, South Carolina, thanks the community for their support during this traumatic ordeal.
On Wednesday evening, Jackie Kotowski, the wife of the deceased, thanked everyone who had helped in the search for her late husband in the Facebook group “We ❤️ Hilton Head Island,” where she had been posting updates on the search for him even before his body was discovered.
“Hello everyone, As many of you know by now, our search for my husband Stan Kotowski ended last Monday. The loss of Stan has changed our family forever and left a void that cannot be described in words,” she began.
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“During this incredibly difficult time, we have also found comfort in the warmth and support of the Hilton Head community,” she continued. “Before we leave this island, my sons and I would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to this incredible community, especially the following.”
She then mentioned the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, saying that “their tireless efforts and compassion have been a source of strength to us,” as well as the Sea Pines Resort, “for keeping us well cared for and taken care of during this difficult time.” Jackie also thanked local reporter Lydia Blackstone, who helped break the news of his disappearance “with so much respect and compassion,” as well as the entire Hilton Head community.
“From the generosity of residents who offered and provided shelter for us and our loved ones, to the thoughtful delivery of Mellow Mushroom and the kindness of Staples who printed flyers for free, to the unwavering support, prayers and engagement of the Facebook community,” she added, concluding, “We are deeply grateful to all of you.”
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Jackie’s message follows another she shared on Monday after her husband’s body was discovered.
“It is with deep sadness that I share the heartbreaking news that Stan has been found. Sadly, he is no longer with us. Our hearts are heavy with grief as we begin to process this unimaginable loss,” she wrote at the time.
“Zak, Ryan and I would like to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who has offered their support, shared information and assisted in the search. Your kindness and concern have meant the world to us during this incredibly difficult time,” she added. “As we take time to process this news, we ask for your continued thoughts and prayers. We have not made any arrangements yet, but will share more information as soon as we are able.”
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Stanley Kotowski was last seen in the area of South Sea Pines Drive around 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 16. Footage from Ring shows him walking out of the house before stopping in the street and then walking out of frame.
Officials said Kotowski left the apartment building without any personal items, such as his cell phone or wallet, after suffering a mental breakdown.
The body was found after a patrol officer smelled a “foul odor” before authorities found “a hatch next to the outdoor shower on the patio” of a nearby home – before the remains were discovered in a “very small” and “unique” crawl space beneath the house. His body was found “maximum 450-600 feet” from the rental property.
According to the county medical examiner, who positively identified the body as Kotowski’s, his death was ruled a suicide, with the cause of death being “asphyxiation by hanging.” When asked by reporters how he could have hanged himself in such a small space, the sheriff said there was “a device that reduced the amount of oxygen you could take in.”
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It is believed that he died on August 16, the day of his disappearance.
“If there is one message we can take from all this, it is that we need to pay more attention to mental illness,” the sheriff added.
According to an officer report, Jackie also told BCSO that her husband believed “Sea Pines was a trap and there was a conspiracy that people here were after him.” She stated that Stanley made several statements that people at that location were “watching” him.
She also told MPs that before he left, Stanley told her, “Promise me you’ll carry on without me.”
If you or someone you know is suffering from depression or is thinking about harming themselves or ending their life, Get helpThe National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for people in need.
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