In a surprising turn of events, Ryan Borgwardt, a 45-year-old kayaker who disappeared during a solo trip, has contacted police to confirm he is alive and residing in an unknown location in Europe. Authorities have been engaged in efforts to encourage his return home.
US Kayaker Fakes Death: Livestream Update from Abroad
US Kayaker Fakes Death: Livestream Update from Abroad
A Wisconsin man, Ryan Borgwardt, who faked his own death to escape family responsibilities, has sent a video confirming his safety from an undisclosed location.
A dramatic saga unfolds as Ryan Borgwardt, 45, from Wisconsin, who infamously faked his own death during a solo kayaking excursion, has surfaced with a video confirming that he is indeed alive and safe. The Green Lake County Sheriff's Office reported that Borgwardt disappeared on August 12, leading to exhaustive search efforts, which included 54 days of scouring Green Lake after he was initially presumed drowned.
The investigation took an unexpected twist when law enforcement uncovered digital evidence suggesting that Borgwardt had fled the country, particularly to Eastern Europe. Sheriff Mark Podell expressed relief at the news of his safety but voiced concern that Borgwardt has yet to return home. “The great news is he's still alive and well,” Podell noted, “but the bad news is that we don’t know where exactly Ryan is.”
Borgwardt documented his well-being in a 24-second video where he appears in an unadorned apartment and casually states, “Good evening, it’s Ryan Borgwardt... I am safe, secure, no problem.” This communication was made possible after police reached out to a local woman fluent in Russian for assistance in contacting him.
Reports indicate that Borgwardt engaged in an elaborate escape plan that included submerging his kayak and cell phone, then using a child-sized boat to reach the shore. Following this, he cycled to Madison, Wisconsin, boarded a bus to Detroit, and ultimately boarded a flight from Canada to an undisclosed destination.
Podell expressed concern about the emotional impact on Borgwardt’s three children and his wife, who have not heard from him since his disappearance. Authorities also discovered several unusual financial maneuvers prior to his exit, including a sizable life insurance policy, funds transferred to overseas accounts, and the procurement of a new passport.
While Borgwardt currently faces no criminal charges, he must pay Green Lake authorities $40,000 for the extensive search operations initiated on his behalf. Sheriff Podell concluded the conference on an emotional note, expressing a heartfelt wish for Borgwardt to return home for the upcoming holiday season, emphasizing the importance of family during such times. “What better a gift to give those kids than to be there for Christmas?” he lamented.
