In a startling turn of events, Ryan Borgwardt, a father of three from Wisconsin, who was reported missing in August, orchestrated his own disappearance and fled the country, Green Lake County officials revealed during a press conference on Thursday.
Sheriff Mark Podoll of Green Lake County detailed how Borgwardt, initially feared drowned after his kayak was found capsized in Green Lake, had meticulously planned his vanishing act. The 45-year-old’s family had reported him missing on August 12, sparking a massive search operation that involved volunteers and authorities who scoured the area for months.
The breakthrough in the case came from a digital forensic analysis of Borgwardt’s computer, which suggested he was alive and likely in Europe, though his exact location remains unknown. This analysis revealed that Borgwardt had taken extensive steps to erase his presence, including replacing his laptop’s hard drive and clearing his browser history on the day he disappeared. He had also taken pictures of his passport and transferred funds to a foreign bank account.
Sheriff Podoll explained that Borgwardt had taken out a $300,000 life insurance policy earlier in the year and purchased airline cards, which further indicated premeditation. In an attempt to fake his death, Borgwardt used an inflatable boat to simulate a kayaking accident. After dumping his phone and fishing rod into the lake, he paddled to shore, traveled to a bus station in Detroit, and from there made his way to the Canadian border.
Earlier this month, contact was finally made with Borgwardt through a Russian-speaking woman he met online, which led to Borgwardt sending a video confirming his safety. In the video, played during the press conference, Borgwardt identified himself and reassured that he was safe.
Sheriff Podoll expressed frustration and disappointment over the resources and emotional toll the search exerted on the community, stating, “He picked the wrong sheriff and the wrong department to try this with.” He emphasized the ongoing communication with Borgwardt and the importance of him returning to the United States to “clean up the mess he has created.”
Despite the complexity of the case, no criminal charges have been filed against Borgwardt as of yet. However, the sheriff’s office is working with federal partners to explore potential charges, and the FBI is aiding with overseas communications. Green Lake County is also seeking restitution of between $35,000 and $40,000 for the search efforts.
The investigation continues as officials and Borgwardt’s family urge him to return home, especially to his children. The sheriff made it clear that Borgwardt’s return would be on his terms, emphasizing, “If he chooses not to return, it’s on his own free will, and I think the message is very clear.”
