Wisconsin Kayaker Who Faked His Death Refuses to Return

November 22, 2024 — Ryan Borgwardt, the Wisconsin father of three who faked his own death and fled the country, has confirmed to authorities that he is safe, but he has refused to disclose his whereabouts or come back home.

Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll shared new details about the case during a press conference on Thursday, revealing ongoing communication with Borgwardt but also the continued mystery of his location.

The Disappearance and Investigation

The strange case began on August 11 when Borgwardt texted his wife, telling her he was turning his kayak around on Green Lake and heading back to shore. The following day, his overturned kayak and life jacket were found, prompting an extensive search by rescue teams, including divers, drones, sonar, and cadaver dogs. Authorities initially believed Borgwardt had drowned.

However, the investigation took a surprising turn in October when it was revealed that Borgwardt’s name had been checked by Canadian authorities two days after his supposed drowning. Further digging showed Borgwardt had been in contact with a woman from Uzbekistan and had engaged in suspicious activities before disappearing, including clearing his browser history, taking out a new life insurance policy, and obtaining a new passport.

The Escape Plan Unraveled

Sheriff Podoll provided insight into how Borgwardt staged his disappearance. According to the sheriff, Borgwardt:

• Hid an e-bike near the boat launch.
• Used a small inflatable boat to paddle away from his kayak, overturning it to make it appear as though he had drowned and leaving his phone behind in the lake.
• After reaching shore, Borgwardt rode the e-bike through the night to Madison, Wisconsin, boarded a bus to Detroit, then crossed into Canada, and finally caught a flight abroad.

Authorities believe he is currently in Eastern Europe.

Contact and Video Confirmation

A breakthrough came on November 11 when authorities made contact with a Russian-speaking woman who helped them reach Borgwardt. He then sent a video confirming his safety but refused to reveal his location. In the video, Borgwardt appeared to be in an apartment and stated it was November 11, assuring that he was not in danger.

Sheriff Podoll confirmed that Borgwardt has since maintained regular communication with law enforcement, though he has not yet spoken to his wife or children.

Family and Community Reactions

Despite their ongoing distress, Borgwardt’s wife and children have not heard from him directly. Sheriff Podoll, clearly emotional, shared the family’s wish for Borgwardt to return, especially with the holiday season approaching.

“Christmas is coming, and what better gift could he give his kids than to be there with them?” Podoll said, urging Borgwardt to return home and face the consequences of his actions. “He needs to come home to his kids and fix the mess he has caused.”

The case has put a strain on the community and the family, with authorities estimating that the search efforts have cost $35,000 to $40,000. Borgwardt could face restitution for these expenses.

Potential Legal Action

While Borgwardt is not considered a danger at this time, Sheriff Podoll indicated that he could face obstruction charges when he returns.

Despite the challenges, law enforcement remains committed to finding Borgwardt and bringing him home. “We’re pulling at his heartstrings,” Podoll said, emphasizing the importance of his return to his family.

A Hopeful Reunion

As the mystery of Borgwardt’s location continues, authorities are focused on ensuring his return. The case highlights the far-reaching effects of such actions, which extend beyond the individual to their loved ones and community.

For now, Borgwardt remains in contact but refuses to return, leaving his family holding onto hope for a reunion and the closure they desperately need.