In a plot that seems lifted from the pages of a thriller novel, 45-year-old Ryan Borgwardt of Wisconsin executed a carefully orchestrated plan to fake his own death, leaving his family reeling and authorities chasing shadows.
His elaborate scheme involved capsizing a kayak, traversing miles on an e-bike, and crossing international borders, all while maintaining contact with a mysterious woman in Uzbekistan.
On August 11, Borgwardt tipped his kayak on Green Lake, leaving behind his phone and personal items to suggest an accidental drowning. He paddled to safety using an inflatable boat and cycled over 50 miles to Madison, vanishing into the night.
His sudden disappearance triggered a large-scale search operation involving divers, drones, sonar, and cadaver dogs. For weeks, his wife Emily and their three children mourned his apparent death.
The investigation took a shocking turn in October when authorities discovered Borgwardt had crossed into Canada shortly after his staged disappearance. Communication records revealed he had been speaking with an Uzbek woman fluent in Russian. Investigators tracked him down, and through her, managed to contact Borgwardt directly.
In a video message to authorities, Borgwardt confirmed he was alive, showing his apartment and assuring them of his safety. However, he refused to disclose his exact location, though officials suspect he is somewhere in Eastern Europe.
Borgwardt’s plan had been months in the making. Before disappearing, he secured a new passport, acquired a $375,000 life insurance policy, and moved funds to foreign accounts. He left behind his original passport and erased traces of his online activity.
His wife Emily, now dealing with the fallout, is being supported by her community and encouraged to join groups for spouses of “runaway partners.”
The Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office spent 54 days and substantial resources on the search. Now, they are seeking $35,000 to $40,000 in restitution and are considering obstruction charges against Borgwardt. Sheriff Mark Podoll expressed hope that the father of three will return home, emphasizing the emotional toll on his children.
As this bizarre saga continues, one question looms large: will Borgwardt choose to reunite with his family, or has he embraced his new life abroad? For now, the case remains as enigmatic as the man behind it.
