A Wisconsin kayaker’s elaborate scheme to fake his own death and flee to Europe unravels, leading to his return and legal troubles.
At a Glance
- Ryan Borgwardt, a Wisconsin man, faked his drowning in Green Lake and fled to Eastern Europe
- He was charged with misdemeanor obstruction for causing a costly search operation
- Borgwardt returned to the U.S. after four months and turned himself in to authorities
- He faces up to a $10,000 fine and nine months in jail for his alleged scheme
- His next court date is set for January 13, and he has pleaded not guilty
The Disappearance
On August 12, Ryan Borgwardt, a Wisconsin resident, was reported missing after his kayak was found overturned in Green Lake. What initially appeared to be a tragic accident soon unfolded as an elaborate hoax. Borgwardt had meticulously planned his disappearance, leaving behind personal items to create the illusion of drowning.
Investigators later discovered that Borgwardt had extensively researched how to disappear and had taken out a $375,000 life insurance policy for his family in January. These findings raised suspicions about the authenticity of his disappearance.
The Escape
After staging his drowning, Borgwardt embarked on a journey that took him from Madison to Toronto, then to Paris, and eventually to an unspecified Asian country. He ultimately settled in Georgia, where he remained in contact with a woman from Uzbekistan. His escape plan was nearly foiled by the Canadian border patrol due to his lack of a driver’s license, but he managed to proceed using his own passport.
Borgwardt’s use of his own passport in Canada inadvertently aided authorities in tracing his journey. While abroad, he monitored news updates about his disappearance, expecting the search to last only a few weeks.
The Search and Its Consequences
The search for Borgwardt’s body in Green Lake was extensive and costly. It lasted more than a month and racked up expenses exceeding $35,000. This prolonged search operation forms the basis of the misdemeanor obstruction charge Borgwardt now faces.
“Ryan stated ‘everything hinged on me dying in that lake,'”
As the investigation progressed, authorities found crucial clues on a laptop Borgwardt had left behind, including passport photos and details of his life insurance policy. These discoveries provided investigators with valuable insights into his premeditated plan.
The Return and Legal Consequences
After four months abroad, Borgwardt voluntarily returned to the United States and turned himself in to authorities. His decision to return was influenced by investigators’ efforts to appeal to his emotions, a strategy described by Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll as “pulling at his heartstrings.”
Upon his return, Borgwardt faced legal consequences for his actions. He was charged with misdemeanor obstruction related to the search operation. In court, a judge entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf, and he was released on $500 bail. Citing financial constraints, Borgwardt plans to represent himself in court, stating, “I have $20 in my wallet in the other room, so that’s what I have.”
Unanswered Questions
While the facts of Borgwardt’s disappearance and return have come to light, his motivations remain a mystery. Sheriff Podoll has stated that the reasons behind Borgwardt’s actions are his own to reveal, leaving the public to speculate about the precise factors that drove him to such extreme measures.
As Borgwardt prepares to face the legal consequences of his actions, with his next court date set for January 13, many questions remain unanswered. The case serves as a reminder of the far-reaching impacts of such deceptions on families, communities, and law enforcement resources.
