The case of Ryan Borgwardt, the Wisconsin man who allegedly faked his own death, has taken several dramatic turns, capturing national attention. Once believed to have drowned during a kayaking trip on Green Lake, Borgwardt is now reportedly alive and possibly living in Uzbekistan. Law enforcement officials are piecing together how he orchestrated what seemed to many as his demise.
It all began on August 12, when Borgwardt texted his wife saying he was returning to shore. The following day, local authorities found his capsized kayak and life jacket on the lake’s surface, prompting extensive searches involving divers, drones, and cadaver dogs. Days turned to weeks as authorities searched the lake, which is known for its depth, believing they were searching for his body.
By late October, the narrative began to shift. Law enforcement had discovered evidence indicating Borgwardt’s name had been run through databases at Canadian law enforcement shortly after his reported disappearance. This led to questions about his whereabouts. During their investigation, authorities also found evidence of his communications with someone from Uzbekistan, raising suspicions about his potential escape strategy.
Finally, on November 11, Brian Podoll, the Green Lake County Sheriff, revealed significant details about their communications with Borgwardt. The sheriff stated at a press conference, "The great news is we know he’s still alive. The bad news is we do not know where Ryan exactly is, and he has not yet decided to return home." To substantiate his claims, Borgwardt sent authorities a selfie-style video stating, "I am safe, secure, no problem," from what appeared to be his apartment.
Borgwardt's alleged plan involved systematic actions prior to his departure. Authorities reported he had taken out life insurance for $375,000 shortly before disappearing and had transferred funds to foreign accounts. It appeared he was preparing for something significant, possibly leaving the country. He even went so far as to clear his digital history and replace the hard drive on his laptop shortly before the incident.
On the night of his supposed drowning, Borgwardt reportedly paddled away from the shore on Green Lake using a child-size inflatable boat after overturning his kayak. It was all staged; he dumped his mobile phone and other belongings to create the illusion of his drowning. After making it to shore, he used the electric bike he had stashed to ride approximately 50 miles to Madison before catching a bus to Detroit, which led him to cross the Canadian border and board a flight.
The revelations surrounding Borgwardt's motivations for faking his death included hints of personal troubles. According to Sheriff Podoll, Borgwardt claimed he thought this was the best way to address his issues, stating, "He was just going to try and make things...better, in his mind." This has raised questions among community members about the emotional state of the man who left behind his wife and three children.
Efforts to bring Borgwardt back have been continuous, with local law enforcement reaching out to him, expressing their hopes for his return. Sheriff Podoll, who has grown increasingly emotional about the situation, stated, “Christmas is coming, and what greater gift could he give his kids than to be there for them?” He underscored the importance of family during the holiday season, hoping Borgwardt would reconsider returning home.
While there are discussions about potential criminal charges facing Borgwardt, such as obstruction related to the investigation, officials seemed to be taking a compassionate approach, indicating they might not pursue charges if he cooperates and returns home voluntarily. "We believe it’s very important for him to come home and clean up the mess he has created," Podoll said. This empathetic stance might be aimed at encouraging Borgwardt, who has been described as desperately concerned about how the community might react upon his return.
The pressures associated with his alleged disappearance include the cost incurred during the search, which was estimated at over $35,000. The sheriff's office has expressed intent to seek restitution, emphasizing the significant resources deployed to recover what was believed to be the body of Borgwardt.
The investigation's next steps involve continued efforts to communicate with Borgwardt, who maintains some distance from his family and the legal ramifications of his actions. Support from the community could play a pivotal role as he navigates this turbulent chapter.
This complex saga raises questions about personal accountability, mental health, and the extreme lengths individuals might go to escape their realities. For now, authorities remain hopeful for Borgwardt's return as they await his next move.
