In a strange turn of events, Ryan Borgwardt, a 45-year-old man from the United States, has made headlines after faking his own death and vanishing from his home state of Wisconsin. Initially reported missing on August 12 during a solo fishing trip, Ryan’s disappearance prompted an extensive search by the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office. They assumed he had met with a tragic fate, likely drowning in the lake where he was last seen. For 54 days, officers scoured the waters for any signs of him until they uncovered evidence that changed the course of their investigation entirely.
After thorough digital forensics, authorities began to suspect that he had not perished but had instead made an elaborate escape to Eastern Europe. Sheriff Mark Podell expressed both relief and frustration upon confirming that Borgwardt was, indeed, alive. “The great news is he’s still alive and well,” Podell stated, while also recognizing the uncertainties that lay ahead. It was still unclear where Ryan was currently located, and more critically, why he had chosen to abandon his family.
In an odd turn of affairs, Ryan made contact with the police himself, sending them a video as proof of his well-being. The 24-second video, shot in a selfie-style format, showed him in an apartment with white walls and made him appear unaffected by the situation. “Good evening, it’s Ryan Borgwardt,” he introduced himself in the video, specifying the date as November 11. The video displayed his calm demeanor as he assured authorities, “I am safe, secure, no problem. I hope this works.”
The Green Lake County authorities had been proactively trying to make contact with Ryan, sending emails that reportedly tugged at his emotions in an effort to convince him to return home and address the mess he had created. The sheriff revealed that communication was established through a Russian-speaking woman in the area who somehow connected with Ryan. While the details surrounding this woman remain under wraps, she played a crucial role in bridging the gap between Borgwardt and law enforcement.
Authorities learned through their exchanges that Ryan meticulously planned his escape. Police revealed that he had sunk his kayak and cellphone in the lake and utilized a small child-sized boat to reach the shore. Once there, he had stashed an E-bike, which he used to cycle overnight to Madison. From Madison, he caught a bus to Detroit and ultimately boarded a plane in Canada, heading to an undisclosed destination. Sheriff Podoll remarked, “We are continuing to verify this information, trying to put the dots together,” indicating that efforts are still ongoing to confirm the intricate details of Ryan’s escape plan.
Despite Ryan’s apparent success in executing this elaborate scheme, it was revealed that he had acted alone, and no criminal charges are pending against him at this moment. However, his actions did come with a price; authorities informed the public that he owes nearly $40,000 for the extensive search operations undertaken on his behalf. His family—comprising his wife and three children—have been left without contact, and his disappearance has taken a toll on them emotionally, especially with the holiday season approaching.
Sheriff Podoll, visibly moved during a news conference, expressed his concern for the children who will be deprived of their father during Christmas, highlighting the personal stakes involved in this unsettling case. His poignant remarks showcased the emotional ramifications of Borgwardt’s decisions on his loved ones, leaving many to ponder the motivations behind his drastic actions. As the situation continues to unfold, the community awaits answers regarding Ryan Borgwardt’s future and the impact of his choices on his family.
