In a dramatic turn of events, Ryan Borgwardt, a 45-year-old man from Wisconsin, has surfaced in a video, proving he is alive after faking his own death during a supposed fishing trip.
**US Man Who Faked Death to Evade Family Sends Video Proving He's Alive**
**US Man Who Faked Death to Evade Family Sends Video Proving He's Alive**
A Wisconsin kayaker who disappeared after faking his own death shares a video with authorities detailing his escape.
Ryan Borgwardt, a 45-year-old from Wisconsin, recently stirred headlines after he apparently faked his own death on August 12, during a solo kayaking trip. Initially assumed to have drowned, police investigations uncovered evidence suggesting he orchestrated his disappearance to escape family responsibilities. To confirm his safety, Borgwardt sent a 24-second video to the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office from an undisclosed location, in which he claims he is "safe and secure."
In the selfie-style recording, Borgwardt stated the date and reassured authorities about his well-being. Sheriff Mark Podoll reported that Borgwardt had been in contact with law enforcement since early November, assisted by a Russian-speaking woman whose identity remains undisclosed. During police communications, Borgwardt provided details of how he planned his escape. After sinking his kayak and phone, he is believed to have utilized a hidden e-bike to travel overnight to Madison, Wisconsin, eventually taking a bus to Detroit and flying to an unknown destination from Canada.
While authorities continue to piece together the timeline and contacts linked to Borgwardt’s flight, they revealed that he had taken a significant life insurance policy worth $375,000, transferred money to a foreign account, and was in communication with a woman in Uzbekistan before his attempt to disappear.
The sheriff expressed concern for Borgwardt's family, particularly his three children, who he said will be without their father during the upcoming holidays. "Christmas is coming up, and what better a gift to give those kids than to be there for Christmas," Podoll remarked, appealing for Borgwardt to return and confront the situation he has created. Furthermore, the investigation may lead to potential charges, including the recovery of search costs amounting to $40,000 for the extensive efforts made to locate him.
