Wisconsin Man Who Faked Drowning Located in Eastern Europe
Green Lake, Wis. (AP) — Ryan Borgwardt, a Wisconsin man who famously faked his own drowning this summer, has been found in Eastern Europe and is communicating with law enforcement, though he remains indecisive about returning home, officials announced on November 21. The 44-year-old father of three disappeared in August after kayaking in Green Lake. Following extensive searches—where authorities located his overturned kayak and personal belongings—Borgwardt’s case developed into a puzzling mystery.
Sheriff Mark Podoll confirmed that Borgwardt began contacting authorities on November 11 after they traced him. In a video message sent from an undisclosed location, he reassured that he was safe, though he appeared unsmiling and his surroundings were sparse. Investigators suspect Borgwardt orchestrated the elaborate stunt to rendezvous with a woman he met online, as evidenced by his actions prior to the disappearance, including obtaining a new passport.
The sheriff revealed that Borgwardt had initially texted his wife before disappearing, and his disappearance led to a costly search operation exceeding $35,000. Though no criminal charges have been filed yet, law enforcement has suggested that he might face obstruction charges. Podoll emphasized the importance of Borgwardt’s return, indicating that he “could clean up the mess” left behind.
Despite the ongoing communication with authorities, Borgwardt’s ultimate decision to return, or lack thereof, raises questions about his motives and the community’s potential reaction to his return after such an elaborate deception.
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Photo credit kstp.com
