Summary
Ryan Borgwardt, a Wisconsin man who faked his own drowning in August, has been confirmed alive and is currently residing in Eastern Europe. Borgwardt staged his disappearance by overturning his kayak in Green Lake, Wisconsin, leaving behind his family and prompting a months-long search that cost over $35,000.
What Happened?
Disappearance: Borgwardt, 44, left his Watertown home and staged his apparent drowning at Green Lake, the deepest lake in Wisconsin. His overturned kayak and life jacket were found, initiating a large-scale search.
Escape Plan: Borgwardt admitted to law enforcement that he:
Paddled to shore in an inflatable boat.
Rode 70 miles overnight on an electric bike to Madison.
Took buses to Detroit and Canada, eventually boarding a flight to Europe.
Reasons for Faking Death
Personal Matters: Borgwardt cited personal struggles as the reason for his actions.
Digital Trail: Evidence found on a laptop showed plans for the escape, including a new passport, inquiries about foreign banking, and communication with a woman in Uzbekistan.
Life Insurance: Earlier this year, Borgwardt took out a $375,000 life insurance policy for his family.
Discovery and Current Status
Authorities Locate Borgwardt: Law enforcement tracked him down through a Russian-speaking woman he had contacted. Borgwardt sent a video confirming he is alive and “safe.”
Location Unknown: While Borgwardt’s exact whereabouts remain unclear, he is in communication with authorities.
Legal and Financial Impact
No Charges Filed Yet: Borgwardt could face charges for obstructing the investigation.
High Search Costs: The search for his body spanned 50 days and involved divers searching over 200 feet of water.
Community Reaction
Concerns About Return: Borgwardt has expressed hesitation about returning to Wisconsin, fearing backlash from the community.
Sheriff’s Appeal: Authorities are urging him to reunite with his family, especially for the holidays.
Next Steps
Uncertain Return: Borgwardt’s decision to come back to the U.S. is voluntary. Efforts to bring him back focus on appealing to his emotions and the well-being of his children.
This case highlights the lengths someone can go to escape personal challenges and the far-reaching consequences of such actions on family, community, and public resources.
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