In brief
Ryan Borgwardt, a Wisconsin man who faked his death by kayaking to escape to Eastern Europe, recently communicated with authorities by sending a video stating he is safe. However, he has not agreed to return home to his wife and three children, prompting local officials to continue their efforts in encouraging his return.
A Wisconsin man who orchestrated an elaborate plan to fake his own death has been in contact with local authorities, insisting he is safe but showing no intention of returning home. Ryan Borgwardt, missing for three months, sent a video from an undisclosed location in Eastern Europe, where he recorded himself saying he is "safe" and "secure."During a press conference, Green Lake County Sheriff Mark A. Podoll revealed the video, which shows Borgwardt in a sparse apartment with plain white walls. In the short clip, Borgwardt spoke softly, mentioning the date and reassuring viewers of his safety. "Good evening, it’s Ryan Borgwardt. Today is Nov. 11. It’s approximately 10 a.m. by you guys. I’m in my apartment. I am safe, secure, no problem," he said.Authorities have been in close contact with him, though his exact whereabouts remain unknown. Sheriff Podoll stated that investigators communicate with Borgwardt almost daily, urging him to return to his family and rectify the distress he caused by abandoning them. "We keep pulling at his heartstrings," said Podoll, emphasizing their determination to support the man's return to his wife and three kids, who have been left in disarray since his disappearance.Despite the continuous outreach and emotional appeals from officials, Borgwardt remains noncommittal about coming back to Wisconsin. His case has sparked discussion surrounding the societal and emotional implications of his actions, reflecting on the impact of such decisions on families left behind. Authorities are determined to see him reunite with his family and resolve the situation that has unfolded since his disappearance.
