A Wisconsin man has become the center of national attention after he staged his own death this summer, abandoning his family and fleeing to Eastern Europe. Ryan Borgwardt, who is 45 years old and has three children, vanished during what was rumored to be just another kayaking trip at Green Lake on August 12. Authorities initially treated his disappearance as a possible drowning, especially after finding his overturned kayak and life jacket. Yet, as time went by, suspicion grew about the circumstances of his missing person case.
Sheriff Mark Podoll held the spotlight as he disclosed to the public how Borgwardt communicated with police after being out of sight for over three months. "The great news is we know he is alive and well,” Podoll announced, adding, “the bad news is we don’t know where Ryan exactly is, and he has not yet decided to return home.” During his communication with authorities, Borgwardt shared details about how he orchestrated his disappearance.
According to Podoll, Borgwardt revealed he had arranged this elaborate escape due to “personal matters,” which the sheriff declined to elaborate on. Borgwardt’s plan involved overturning his kayak, disposing of his phone, and paddling away with an inflatable boat. From there, he rode his electric bike about 70 miles to Madison, then took several buses, finally flying from Canada to Europe.
When Borgwardt reestablished contact with authorities on November 11, he provided video proof of his safety, showing himself safe but without disclosing his exact whereabouts. "I’m safe and secure, no problem," he said during the video. While happily acknowledging his situation, he still maintained silence about returning to his family, which he left distressed and confused.
Investigators started piecing together clues about Borgwardt’s intentions after sifting through his belongings. They discovered he had obtained a new passport three months before he disappeared and noted suspicious online activities, including communications with a woman from Uzbekistan. Sheriff Podoll also mentioned the discovery of documents related to Borgwardt's life insurance policy, which was valued at $375,000 and was taken out just months prior to his staged disappearance.
Initial reactions from the sheriff's office pointed to the idea of potential criminal charges for obstructing the investigation. "He could face charges for obstructing the investigation, but so far no charges have been filed,” Podoll stated. The authorities are trying to persuade Borgwardt to return home, especially with the holiday season approaching. “Christmas is coming, and what gift could your kids want more than you being there for it?” Podoll pleaded.
Borgwardt’s story has made headlines across various media outlets, rekindling discussions on the emotional cost behind such drastic life decisions. With many chiming in, the situation remains heartbreaking for his family, who have been left grappling with feelings of abandonment and devastation.
Despite clearing up his whereabouts, worries linger for the community and the authorities alike. Borgwardt’s decision to cut ties with his family, particularly during such pivotal moments like the holidays, raises questions about how personal conflicts can spiral out of control.
While it’s evident Borgwardt is physically safe, emotionally, all parties involved are facing different battles. And so, the case of Ryan Borgwardt serves as not just news but as a reminder of the invisible struggles within families and communities, echoing the need for more compassionate dialogues about personal challenges and mental health toward preventing such drastic measures.
