A marriage unravels as Wisconsin man's elaborate plan to fake his death leads his wife to seek separation and custody of their children. Ryan Borgwardt mugshot photo courtesy Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Wife of Wisconsin ‘Missing Kayaker’ Files for Separation After His Fake Death Plot Unravels

A marriage unravels as Wisconsin man’s elaborate plan to fake his death leads his wife to seek separation and custody of their children. 🌐 #News #GreenLakeCountyWI #Wisconsin #MissingPerson

GREEN LAKE COUNTY, WI – Emily Borgwardt has filed for a legal separation from her husband, Ryan, just days after his return to the U.S. following his failed attempt to stage his own death in Green Lake, Wisconsin. The couple, who had been married for 22 years and have three teenage children, is now facing a tumultuous future, with Emily seeking sole custody of their children.

A Shocking Scheme and Its Aftermath

Ryan Borgwardt, 45, of Watertown, initially disappeared on August 12 after being reported missing while kayaking on Green Lake. What followed was a massive 54-day search, involving underwater drones, sonar equipment, divers, and three K-9 cadaver teams, none of which turned up any sign of Borgwardt’s body. However, a deeper investigation revealed a more disturbing truth. Ryan had orchestrated an elaborate plot to fake his death and disappear.

Court documents reveal that Ryan had spent a significant amount of time researching how to “disappear” before executing his plan. His actions included stashing an eBike near a boat launch, paddling a kayak and a child-sized inflatable boat out into the lake, and then intentionally overturning the kayak.

He discarded his phone in the water, then paddled the inflatable boat to shore, where he rode the eBike through the night to Madison. From there, he traveled to Detroit and ultimately made his way to the Canadian border, before heading to the European country of Georgia to meet an adult female.

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Legal Consequences and Family Strain

Ryan Borgwardt’s scheme was uncovered after forensic analysis of his laptop showed he had planned the disappearance in great detail. Authorities were alerted to his plan when his name was flagged by Canadian law enforcement on August 13, revealing that he had a second passport.

After months of investigation, Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll revealed in a November 21 press conference that Borgwardt had been in daily contact with authorities since November 11. Borgwardt confessed that he had staged his death to flee the country.

On December 11, Borgwardt was charged with obstructing an officer, a Class A misdemeanor, and faced a potential nine-month prison sentence. Judge Mark Slate released Borgwardt on a $500 bond and entered a not guilty plea on his behalf during his initial court appearance. While Borgwardt’s parents were present, his wife and children were not in the courtroom.

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Emily Borgwardt’s Response and the Legal Battle Ahead

Amid these developments, Emily Borgwardt has taken steps to end her marriage. Two days after Ryan’s return to the U.S., she filed for annulment and legal separation in Dodge County Circuit Court. The court documents list the couple as living at separate addresses. Emily is also seeking sole custody of their three teenage children. A court hearing has been scheduled for April 28.

Emily’s actions reflect the profound impact of Ryan’s deception on their family. The couple’s 22-year marriage, now at the center of national media attention, is facing an uncertain future, with Emily working to protect her children from the aftermath of Ryan’s actions.

The case has garnered widespread media interest, with many shocked by Ryan Borgwardt’s elaborate plan and its eventual unraveling. As the legal proceedings continue, both the family and the community remain in shock over the lengths Borgwardt went to in order to escape his life and responsibilities.

RELATED TOPICS: Missing Persons | Crime | Wisconsin

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