Ryan Borgwardt, who allegedly faked his own death while on a fishing trip in Wisconsin, has contacted authorities via video from an undisclosed location. Despite the relief of his safety, concerns remain for his family, left behind without closure.**
U.S. Man Who Faked His Death in Kayaking Incident Surfaces in Contact with Authorities**
U.S. Man Who Faked His Death in Kayaking Incident Surfaces in Contact with Authorities**
Ryan Borgwardt, missing since August 12, proves he is alive through a video sent to police while details of his elaborate escape unfold.**
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A 45-year-old U.S. man who staged his own death during a solo fishing expedition has reemerged, sending video evidence of his safety to police in Wisconsin. Ryan Borgwardt went missing on August 12, leading authorities to initially suspect he had drowned in Green Lake, prompting a 54-day search. As the investigation progressed, digital evidence suggested he had fled the country, likely to Eastern Europe.
The Green Lake County Sheriff's Office confirmed the existence of a 24-second selfie-style video in which Borgwardt assured, “I am safe, secure, no problem.” Local Sheriff Mark Podell shared the mixed emotions surrounding his return: "The great news is he's still alive and well... Unfortunately, we don’t know his exact whereabouts, and he hasn't decided to come home."
Efforts to locate Borgwardt gained traction when authorities reached out to a Russian-speaking woman in the area, who facilitated communication between him and the police. They report near-daily exchanges, where Borgwardt has revealed details of his sophisticated departure strategy. After allegedly sinking his kayak and cell phone, he utilized an E-bike to cycle from the shore to Madison, then made his way to Canada before taking a flight to unknown destinations.
Though law enforcement has not pursued charges against him yet, they indicated Borgwardt incurred a debt of $40,000 for the extensive search operation. Alarmingly, he left behind three children and his wife, with no contact since his disappearance. Days before vanishing, he notably took out a $375,000 life insurance policy and made financial arrangements to facilitate his escape.
Sheriff Podell expressed emotional concern for Borgwardt's family, particularly with the holiday season approaching. “What better gift to give those kids than to be there for Christmas?" he lamented. As authorities continue piecing together his disappearance, the community mourns the loss of a father who chose to disappear, leaving uncertainty in the wake of his actions.
A 45-year-old U.S. man who staged his own death during a solo fishing expedition has reemerged, sending video evidence of his safety to police in Wisconsin. Ryan Borgwardt went missing on August 12, leading authorities to initially suspect he had drowned in Green Lake, prompting a 54-day search. As the investigation progressed, digital evidence suggested he had fled the country, likely to Eastern Europe.
The Green Lake County Sheriff's Office confirmed the existence of a 24-second selfie-style video in which Borgwardt assured, “I am safe, secure, no problem.” Local Sheriff Mark Podell shared the mixed emotions surrounding his return: "The great news is he's still alive and well... Unfortunately, we don’t know his exact whereabouts, and he hasn't decided to come home."
Efforts to locate Borgwardt gained traction when authorities reached out to a Russian-speaking woman in the area, who facilitated communication between him and the police. They report near-daily exchanges, where Borgwardt has revealed details of his sophisticated departure strategy. After allegedly sinking his kayak and cell phone, he utilized an E-bike to cycle from the shore to Madison, then made his way to Canada before taking a flight to unknown destinations.
Though law enforcement has not pursued charges against him yet, they indicated Borgwardt incurred a debt of $40,000 for the extensive search operation. Alarmingly, he left behind three children and his wife, with no contact since his disappearance. Days before vanishing, he notably took out a $375,000 life insurance policy and made financial arrangements to facilitate his escape.
Sheriff Podell expressed emotional concern for Borgwardt's family, particularly with the holiday season approaching. “What better gift to give those kids than to be there for Christmas?" he lamented. As authorities continue piecing together his disappearance, the community mourns the loss of a father who chose to disappear, leaving uncertainty in the wake of his actions.
