In a bizarre twist to a missing person case, Ryan Borgwardt, a 45-year-old man from Wisconsin, has been in touch with law enforcement after faking his own death. Initially reported missing on August 12 while on a solo fishing trip, authorities suspected he had drowned until evidence suggested he fled to Eastern Europe.
Sheriff Mark Podell from Green Lake County expressed relief that Borgwardt is alive but noted the challenges ahead: “The great news is he’s still alive and well. The bad news is that we don’t know where exactly Ryan is, and he has not decided to return home.”
Borgwardt vanished during what was supposed to be a leisurely fishing excursion. The Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office conducted an extensive search for 54 days, initially focusing on the possibility of drowning. However, their investigation took a turn when they uncovered digital evidence indicating his escape from the country.
Authorities received confirmation of Borgwardt’s safety through a 24-second video he provided. In the clip, filmed selfie-style in an apartment with white walls, Borgwardt reassured viewers of his well-being while revealing the date and time.
During ongoing communications with police, Borgwardt allegedly detailed how he executed his elaborate getaway:
Sheriff Podell noted that they are still piecing together the full narrative of Borgwardt’s disappearance and confirmed that he likely acted alone throughout this plan.
Borgwardt left behind three children and his wife, creating significant emotional turmoil for his family. In the lead-up to his disappearance, he made several suspicious financial moves:
While no criminal charges have been filed against him at this stage, authorities indicated that Borgwardt owes roughly $40,000 for search costs incurred during the extensive operation.
As the holiday season approaches, Sheriff Podell expressed concern for Borgwardt’s children. “Christmas is coming up," he lamented. “What better gift to give those kids than to be there for Christmas?”
In this unfolding story of deception and family disruption, one key question remains: will Ryan Borgwardt choose to reconnect with his family or continue down this path of evasion?
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