Ryan Borgwardt, a 45-year-old man from Wisconsin, has shocked authorities and his family by faking his own death and fleeing the country, leaving behind his wife and three children. The incident began on August 12th when Borgwardt disappeared during a solo fishing trip, initially leading police to believe he had drowned.
For 54 days, local law enforcement searched the lake, eventually discovering digital evidence suggesting Borgwardt had deliberately planned his escape to Eastern Europe. Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podell revealed that Borgwardt has since been in contact with police, even sending a 24-second selfie-style video proving he is alive and well.
In the video, Borgwardt confirms the date as November 11th and states that he is safe and secure. Police have been attempting to communicate with him, hoping to persuade him to return home and resolve the situation he has created.
Authorities uncovered a detailed plan of Borgwardt’s escape. After sinking his kayak and cell phone in the lake, he paddled a small child-sized boat to shore where he had previously hidden an E-bike. He then cycled overnight to Madison, Wisconsin, proceeded to Detroit, and ultimately boarded a plane in Canada to an unknown destination.
Prior to his disappearance, Borgwardt took several suspicious actions. He obtained a $375,000 life insurance policy, transferred funds to a foreign bank account, photographed a new passport, and altered his email address. These actions suggest a premeditated plan to leave his life behind.
Law enforcement connected with Borgwardt through a Russian-speaking woman who helped facilitate communication, though details about her identity remain undisclosed. During their exchanges, Borgwardt reportedly explained how he orchestrated his getaway.
Currently, no criminal charges are pending against Borgwardt. However, the sheriff’s office claims he owes them $40,000 for the cost of search and rescue operations. Notably, Borgwardt has had no contact with his family since his departure.
At the end of the press conference, Sheriff Podoll became emotional, emphasizing the impact of Borgwardt’s actions on his children, particularly during the upcoming holiday season. He poignantly suggested that the best Christmas gift Borgwardt could give would be to return home to his family.
The case remains under investigation, with authorities continuing to verify the details of Borgwardt’s escape and current whereabouts. The mysterious circumstances surrounding his disappearance have captured public attention and raised numerous questions about his motivations and future intentions.
