ICYMI: The Latest From Wisconsin Dad Who Faked His Own Death To Start New Life in Europe
Faking his own death wasn’t enough—this Wisconsin father left heartbreak, a $35K search bill, and a trail of deceit across two continents. 🌐 #News #GreenLakeWI #Wisconsin #Crime
GREEN LAKE, WI – Ryan Borgwardt, a man from Wisconsin, faked his own death by staging a kayaking accident in August, leaving behind a devastated wife, three children, and a baffled community. Authorities have since located him in Eastern Europe, where he’s been communicating daily but refusing to return home. Borgwardt’s elaborate scheme not only drained law enforcement resources but also inflicted emotional pain on his loved ones. Don’t miss our earlier reporting on this story here.
A Carefully Planned Vanishing Act
Borgwardt’s disappearance initially appeared to be a tragic accident. He set out on Green Lake, Wisconsin’s deepest lake, overturned his kayak, and discarded his phone in the water to give the impression of drowning. His life jacket was found attached to the kayak, floating in waters over 200 feet deep. For weeks, search teams combed the lake, believing he had drowned.
But Borgwardt wasn’t under the water—he was on the run. According to Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll, Borgwardt paddled to shore in an inflatable boat before biking 70 miles to Madison under the cover of darkness. From there, he took buses to Detroit and into Canada, eventually boarding a plane to Europe. His calculated escape included obtaining a new passport months before his disappearance and meticulously clearing his laptop of any clues.
Family Agony and Community Betrayal
While Borgwardt embarked on his solo journey, he left his family to grapple with heartbreak and confusion. His wife and children believed they had lost him forever.
Meanwhile, the local community and law enforcement devoted time and resources to finding him, spending over $35,000 on a futile search. Divers repeatedly explored the lake’s depths for signs of his body. Sheriff Podoll noted that Borgwardt admitted he hadn’t anticipated such a prolonged search, thinking the effort would last only two weeks.
The emotional and financial toll of Borgwardt’s actions extended far beyond his family. Friends, neighbors, and volunteers poured their energy into helping a man who had orchestrated his own disappearance.
A Questionable Motive and Uncertain Future
Borgwardt’s motive for the elaborate scheme remains unclear. Sheriff Podoll said Borgwardt cited “personal matters” but declined to elaborate. Investigators discovered Borgwardt’s digital trail, which included communication with a Russian-speaking woman linked to Uzbekistan.
They speculated that he intended to meet her overseas. However, the sheriff did not confirm the nature of their relationship or how Borgwardt is supporting himself abroad, only describing him as “a smart guy.”
Despite daily communication with authorities since Nov. 11, Borgwardt has shown no inclination to return. In a video shared by the sheriff’s office, Borgwardt, dressed in an orange T-shirt, assured viewers, “I’m safe and secure, no problem.”
Sheriff Podoll and his team have appealed to Borgwardt’s emotions, urging him to consider the impact on his family. “Christmas is coming,” Podoll said. “And what better gift could your kids get than to be there for Christmas?”
Whether Borgwardt returns remains to be seen, but his actions have already left lasting scars. His decision to abandon his family rather than face his problems head-on speaks volumes.
Borgwardt’s selfishness not only broke the trust of those closest to him but also drained resources from a community that rallied to help someone they thought was in danger. His story may be a cautionary tale of irresponsibility and the far-reaching consequences of deceit.
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Wisconsin
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