Ryan Borgwardt's disappearance spurred an extensive search and left his family in distress as cops work to bring him back.
**US Man Fakes Death to Escape Life, Sends Proof of Safety from Abroad**
**US Man Fakes Death to Escape Life, Sends Proof of Safety from Abroad**
A Wisconsin kayaker who staged his own death has sent a video to assure authorities he's alive in Europe.
In a rather unusual turn of events, a Wisconsin man who faked his own death while on a solo fishing trip has sent a video to the local authorities confirming he is alive and well. Ryan Borgwardt, 45, vanished on August 12, prompting an intensive search by the Green Lake County Sheriff's Office, which initially believed he had drowned. The search lasted 54 days until investigators uncovered digital evidence leading them to suspect he fled the United States and may be hiding in Eastern Europe.
Sheriff Mark Podoll shared during a press conference that law enforcement officials have been in communication with Borgwardt since earlier this month. They sought assistance from a woman fluent in Russian, who helped connect him with police. "The good news is he's still alive and well," Podoll remarked, "but the unfortunate part is that we do not know his exact location, and he has yet to show any intention of returning home."
The message from Borgwardt is a 24-second selfie video in which he states, "Good evening, it’s Ryan Borgwardt. Today is November 11. I’m in my apartment. I am safe, secure, no problem." The implications of his staged disappearance are profound; not only has he left behind his wife and three children, but he has also apparently accrued a debt of $40,000 for costs associated with the extensive search.
As investigators try to piece together his elaborate escape, Sheriff Podoll revealed that Borgwardt had meticulously planned his departure, orchestrating a sequence of events that included sinking his kayak and phone in the lake, paddling to shore, retrieving an E-bike, and making his way to a bus station before flying out of Canada to an unspecified destination.
Authorities noted that he had recently secured a life insurance policy worth $375,000, initiated financial transfers to overseas accounts, and even engaged online with a woman in Uzbekistan. Regarding Borgwardt's motivations, Podoll stated, “He just had personal matters going on; he thought this was the right thing to do.”
In an emotional appeal, Podoll expressed concern for Borgwardt's children, emphasizing the difficulty of the impending holiday season without their father. He noted that communicating with Borgwardt has included heartfelt attempts to persuade him to return and address the chaos left in his wake, asserting, “What better gift to give those kids than to be there for Christmas?”
Sheriff Mark Podoll shared during a press conference that law enforcement officials have been in communication with Borgwardt since earlier this month. They sought assistance from a woman fluent in Russian, who helped connect him with police. "The good news is he's still alive and well," Podoll remarked, "but the unfortunate part is that we do not know his exact location, and he has yet to show any intention of returning home."
The message from Borgwardt is a 24-second selfie video in which he states, "Good evening, it’s Ryan Borgwardt. Today is November 11. I’m in my apartment. I am safe, secure, no problem." The implications of his staged disappearance are profound; not only has he left behind his wife and three children, but he has also apparently accrued a debt of $40,000 for costs associated with the extensive search.
As investigators try to piece together his elaborate escape, Sheriff Podoll revealed that Borgwardt had meticulously planned his departure, orchestrating a sequence of events that included sinking his kayak and phone in the lake, paddling to shore, retrieving an E-bike, and making his way to a bus station before flying out of Canada to an unspecified destination.
Authorities noted that he had recently secured a life insurance policy worth $375,000, initiated financial transfers to overseas accounts, and even engaged online with a woman in Uzbekistan. Regarding Borgwardt's motivations, Podoll stated, “He just had personal matters going on; he thought this was the right thing to do.”
In an emotional appeal, Podoll expressed concern for Borgwardt's children, emphasizing the difficulty of the impending holiday season without their father. He noted that communicating with Borgwardt has included heartfelt attempts to persuade him to return and address the chaos left in his wake, asserting, “What better gift to give those kids than to be there for Christmas?”
