Wisconsin Man Who Faked Drowning Located in Eastern Europe
GREEN LAKE, Wis. – Ryan Borgwardt, a Wisconsin man who staged his own drowning this summer, has been found communicating with law enforcement from an undisclosed location in Eastern Europe. The Green Lake County Sheriff, Mark Podoll, reported that Borgwardt initiated contact on November 11 after being tracked down by authorities. Borgwardt sent a video confirming his identity and claiming he is safe but remains hesitant to return home.
Borgwardt, a mid-40s resident of Watertown, vanished on August 11 while kayaking at Green Lake, Wisconsin’s deepest lake. His wife reported that he texted her about heading ashore shortly before his disappearance. Search efforts included locating his overturned kayak and conducting extensive underwater searches, which lasted for over 50 days.
Authorities became suspicious of Borgwardt’s disappearance after noting prior behaviors, including the reported loss of his passport and indications of communication with a woman in Uzbekistan. He allegedly faked his drowning by overturning his kayak, abandoning his phone, and hiding a bike to escape to Madison and ultimately board an international flight.
Sheriff Podoll noted that Borgwardt’s actions stem from personal issues and that he had recently taken out a $375,000 life insurance policy. Although there are no criminal charges filed against him currently, Podoll mentioned the possibility of an obstruction charge in the future.
While Borgwardt has maintained daily communication with law enforcement, officials are stressing the need for him to return home and address the repercussions of his actions. The extensive search for Borgwardt is estimated to have cost around $35,000, leaving community members concerned about his potential reintegration upon his return.
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