Ryan Borgwardt, a 45-year-old man from Wisconsin, has sent a video to the police, claiming he is alive and safe after he faked his own death during a fishing trip on 12 August. Initially feared to have drowned, police spent 54 days searching for him in Green Lake County before uncovering evidence suggesting he had secretly fled to Eastern Europe.
In the video, shot selfie-style, Borgwardt stated, "Good evening, it’s Ryan Borgwardt. Today is 11 November... I am safe, secure, no problem." Authorities have been trying to contact him, employing a translator to assist in the discussions after locating a woman who speaks Russian.
Sheriff Mark Podell expressed mixed emotions, saying, "The great news is he's still alive and well," but lamented that Borgwardt has not yet decided to return home. Investigators learned about his elaborate escape plan, which involved sinking his kayak and cycling overnight to reach a bus station before taking a flight from Canada to an unknown destination.
While no criminal charges are pending against Borgwardt, he faces a $40,000 bill for the cost incurred during the search operation. The sheriff highlighted the emotional toll on Borgwardt's family, particularly noting the impact on his three children as the holiday season approaches, stating, "What better a gift to give those kids than to be there for Christmas?"
In the video, shot selfie-style, Borgwardt stated, "Good evening, it’s Ryan Borgwardt. Today is 11 November... I am safe, secure, no problem." Authorities have been trying to contact him, employing a translator to assist in the discussions after locating a woman who speaks Russian.
Sheriff Mark Podell expressed mixed emotions, saying, "The great news is he's still alive and well," but lamented that Borgwardt has not yet decided to return home. Investigators learned about his elaborate escape plan, which involved sinking his kayak and cycling overnight to reach a bus station before taking a flight from Canada to an unknown destination.
While no criminal charges are pending against Borgwardt, he faces a $40,000 bill for the cost incurred during the search operation. The sheriff highlighted the emotional toll on Borgwardt's family, particularly noting the impact on his three children as the holiday season approaches, stating, "What better a gift to give those kids than to be there for Christmas?"
