Wisconsin kayaker Ryan Borgwardt faces legal consequences after a bizarre scheme to fake his own drowning and flee to Eastern Europe.
At a Glance
- Ryan Borgwardt faked his drowning in Green Lake, Wisconsin, and fled to Eastern Europe
- He’s charged with misdemeanor obstruction for causing a month-long, $35,000 search
- Borgwardt returned to the U.S. after four months and turned himself in
- He faces up to $10,000 in fines and nine months in jail
- Borgwardt plans to represent himself in court due to financial constraints
The Elaborate Scheme
In a case that reads like a Hollywood script, Wisconsin resident Ryan Borgwardt meticulously planned and executed a scheme to fake his own death. On August 12, Borgwardt was reported missing after overturning a kayak in Green Lake, Wisconsin, leaving behind personal identification to suggest an accidental drowning. This triggered an extensive search operation that would last over a month and cost taxpayers more than $35,000.
Investigators later discovered that Borgwardt had thoroughly researched methods to disappear and had taken out a $375,000 life insurance policy for his family in January. Green Lake County District Attorney Gerise LaSpisa stated, “Ryan stated ‘everything hinged on me dying in that lake’,” highlighting the calculated nature of his plan.
The International Escape
After staging his disappearance, Borgwardt embarked on an international journey. He traveled from Madison to Toronto, narrowly avoiding detection by Canadian border patrol due to a lack of a driver’s license. From there, he flew to Paris and then to an unspecified Asian country before ultimately settling in Georgia. Throughout his time abroad, Borgwardt monitored news updates about his disappearance, expecting the search to last only a few weeks.
However, Borgwardt’s plan began to unravel. He had left behind a laptop containing crucial evidence, including passport photos and life insurance details. This oversight provided investigators with valuable clues about his scheme and whereabouts.
The Return and Legal Consequences
After four months abroad, Borgwardt voluntarily returned to the United States and turned himself in to authorities. Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll described the department’s strategy of “pulling at his heartstrings” to encourage his return. Upon his arrival, Borgwardt was charged with misdemeanor obstruction for causing the extensive search for his body.
In court, a judge entered a not-guilty plea on Borgwardt’s behalf, and he was released on a $500 bail. Facing potential fines of up to $10,000 and nine months in jail, Borgwardt plans to represent himself, citing financial constraints. “I have $20 in my wallet in the other room, so that’s what I have,” he told the court.
Unanswered Questions
Despite the details that have emerged about Borgwardt’s elaborate plan, the motive behind his actions remains unclear. Sheriff Podoll has refrained from speculating, stating, “That’s going to be up to him someday. We’re not going to release that. We brought a dad back on his own.”
As the legal proceedings unfold, many questions remain unanswered. The full story behind Borgwardt’s decision to fake his death and flee the country is yet to be revealed. His next court date is set for January 13, where more details may come to light about this bizarre case that has captured national attention.
