A Wisconsin father of three who faked his own death and fled to Eastern Europe has begun revealing the details of his elaborate escape to law enforcement but remains tight-lipped about whether he plans to return to the U.S.
Ryan Borgwardt, 45, vanished during a kayaking trip in August, leaving his family and authorities fearing the worst. The kayak was found overturned in Green Lake, about 90 minutes north of Madison, sparking a 54-day search effort.
Last week, Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll confirmed that Borgwardt had fled to Eastern Europe. Borgwardt has since communicated with authorities almost daily, explaining how he staged his disappearance and why he chose to fake his death.
Elaborate Escape Plan Revealed
According to Sheriff Podoll, Borgwardt capsized his kayak, threw his phone into the water, and used an inflatable boat to reach the shore. He then rode an electric bike 70 miles to Madison, boarded a bus to Detroit, traveled to Canada, and eventually flew to an undisclosed location in Eastern Europe.
In a cellphone video sent to authorities, Borgwardt stated, “I’m safe and secure, no problem. I hope this works.” The sheriff’s office is still verifying his account but is relieved to confirm he is alive.
“The great news is we know that he is alive and well,” Podoll said. “The bad news is we don’t know exactly where Ryan is, and he has not yet decided to return home.”
Motivations and Investigations
The investigation revealed that Borgwardt had taken out a $375,000 life insurance policy for his family earlier this year. Authorities also discovered communications between Borgwardt and a woman in Uzbekistan, which provided clues to his whereabouts. While Sheriff Podoll declined to elaborate on the woman’s role, he confirmed that officers contacted Borgwardt through a Russian-speaking female intermediary.
Authorities suspect Borgwardt’s actions may have been motivated by financial strain or personal issues, but the full picture remains unclear. If he returns, Borgwardt could face charges for obstructing the investigation into his disappearance.
Family Pleads for His Return
Despite the complexities of the case, law enforcement and Borgwardt’s family are urging him to come back. Sheriff Podoll appealed to Borgwardt’s sense of family, saying, “Christmas is coming. What better gift could your kids get than for you to be there for Christmas?”
Borgwardt’s wife, Emily, and their three children have been grappling with the emotional aftermath of his disappearance. Social media photos show happier times with the family, now overshadowed by the unresolved situation.
Legal and Financial Uncertainty
Borgwardt’s exact circumstances in Eastern Europe remain unclear. Authorities believe he has secured an apartment but are uncertain how he is supporting himself. While no charges have been filed yet, the sheriff’s office is evaluating potential legal repercussions.
The case continues to unfold as investigators piece together the details of Borgwardt’s elaborate escape and his motivations. For now, his family and the authorities can only hope he chooses to return home and face the consequences of his actions.
