Wisconsin Man Ryan Borgwardt Who Faked His Death Is Alive and Communicating from Eastern Europe

A man from Wisconsin, believed to have faked his own drowning to leave his family, is alive in Eastern Europe, according to police. Ryan Borgwardt has been in touch with authorities since 11th November, as revealed by Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll. A video from Borgwardt was shown at a news conference, though his exact location remains unknown.

Investigators initially thought Borgwardt drowned while kayaking on Green Lake, about 160 kilometres northwest of Milwaukee. However, clues like a new passport obtained three months prior led them to suspect he staged his death to meet a woman in Uzbekistan. His last contact was a text to his wife on the night of 11th August.

Search and Investigation

Authorities found Borgwardt's vehicle and trailer near the lake, along with his overturned kayak and life jacket in deep waters. An angler later found his fishing rod. Initially, it was thought that his kayak capsized without him wearing a life jacket. The search for his body lasted over 50 days, involving divers exploring the lake multiple times.

In early October, Canadian authorities checked Borgwardt's name in their databases the day after he was reported missing. Further investigation showed he had reported his passport lost or stolen and obtained a new one in May. This raised suspicions about his disappearance.

Digital Evidence

Analysis of Borgwardt's laptop revealed plans to travel to Europe and attempts to mislead investigators. The laptop's hard drive had been replaced and browsers cleared on the day he vanished. Investigators found passport photos, inquiries about transferring money abroad, and communication with a woman from Uzbekistan.

Borgwardt also took out a USD 375,000 life insurance policy in January. Despite daily contact with him, no criminal charges have been filed yet. "He needs to return home to his children," Podoll stated. "If he chooses not to return, it's on his own free will... We keep pulling at his heartstrings."

The good news is that Borgwardt is alive and well, but the bad news is that his exact whereabouts are still unknown. Authorities continue their efforts to persuade him to come back home.