In a twist befitting a thriller, Ryan Borgwardt, a 45-year-old from Wisconsin, recently sent a video to police, proving he is indeed alive, despite previously being presumed dead. Initially reported missing after a solo fishing trip on August 12, investigations revealed Borgwardt allegedly faked his death and left his family behind.
Authorities began a lengthy search, suspecting he may have drowned, but after over a month of searching Green Lake, they obtained digital evidence leading them to believe he had traveled to Eastern Europe. The Green Lake County Sheriff's Office noted that Borgwardt may face up to $40,000 in reimbursement costs for search efforts and possible obstruction charges.
In a brief, 24-second selfie video shot on November 11, Borgwardt reassured police: “I am safe, secure, no problem." This was part of near-daily communications he started following contact with a Russian-speaking intermediary. Sheriff Mark Podoll revealed details about Borgwardt's escape plan. After sinking his kayak and phone, he paddled to shore and rode an E-bike to Madison before continuing his journey to Canada.
Despite confirming his safety, law enforcement is still unable to locate him, nor has he contacted his wife and three children since his disappearance. Investigators discovered Borgwardt had taken out a life insurance policy and made suspicious financial moves before fleeing, including altering his email and reportedly communicating with a woman in Uzbekistan.
Sheriff Podoll expressed concern over the emotional toll on Borgwardt’s family, particularly as the holiday season approaches, urging him to return home to reconcile with his children. The peculiar nature of this case raises more questions than answers as authorities strive to connect the pieces of what has become an elaborate ruse.
