Key Takeaways:
Authorities believe Ryan Borgwardt faked his own death in August.
The 45-year-old father’s disappearance sparked an extensive search.
Investigators now suspect he fled to Eastern Europe and may face charges.
The Disappearance
In August, Ryan Borgwardt, 45, went missing while kayaking on Green Lake in Wisconsin. He was last in contact with his wife on the night of August 11, stating he was heading back to shore. The next morning, his overturned kayak and belongings, including his life jacket, fishing rod, and tackle box, were found, leading officials to believe he had drowned.
A large-scale search, lasting 54 days, was conducted using divers, drones, sonar, and cadaver dogs, but no sign of Borgwardt was found.
New Revelations
In October, authorities uncovered surprising details suggesting that Borgwardt may have staged his death. Law enforcement records showed that his name had been flagged in Canada on August 13, just one day after his disappearance.
Investigators also discovered that Borgwardt had been communicating with a woman from Uzbekistan. Additionally, he had taken steps to cover his tracks, including clearing his browser history, inquiring about transferring funds to foreign banks, securing a new life insurance policy, obtaining a new passport, and even replacing his laptop's hard drive.
Where He Might Be
Based on these findings, authorities now suspect Borgwardt fled to Eastern Europe. The search of Green Lake has officially ended, with the sheriff's office shifting focus to pursuing potential charges against him. Investigators are also looking into the possibility of seeking restitution for the costly search efforts, which involved both law enforcement and volunteer organizations.
Impact on His Family
While authorities say there is no evidence that Borgwardt’s wife was involved, the case has taken a heavy toll on the family. Sheriff Mark Podoll expressed his concern for Borgwardt’s wife, calling her a “very, very strong lady,” and described how the news of the staged death was devastating for the family. Volunteers from Bruce's Legacy, who participated in the search, also voiced their frustration, citing the wasted time and resources.
Next Steps
Investigators are continuing to probe the case, with charges potentially pending. Authorities are urging anyone with information about Borgwardt’s whereabouts to come forward as the case remains under investigation.
What’s at Stake
The situation has raised questions about the financial and emotional impact on the community, as well as the potential legal consequences for Borgwardt if he is found. Meanwhile, the sheriff is calling for Borgwardt to return home and resolve the situation: “We can talk through all this and we can work things out,” he said.
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