Wisconsin Man Fakes Death to Escape Family, Sends Video from Abroad

Ryan Borgwardt, a man who staged his own death during a fishing trip, has reached out to authorities in Wisconsin, confirming his safety through a video. The revelation has sparked an investigation into his motives, as he left behind his family and incurred significant costs for the search efforts.

A Wisconsin man who recently faked his own death while out kayaking has surfaced, sending authorities a video to confirm his safety, raising various questions about his motives and actions. Ryan Borgwardt, 45, disappeared on August 12 during a solo fishing trip, leading to extensive search efforts by the Green Lake County Sheriff's Office, who initially believed he had drowned.

After 54 days of searching, authorities became suspicious and investigated digital footprints suggesting he had fled abroad, possibly to Eastern Europe. In the video sent to the police, Borgwardt addresses them directly, stating, "I am safe, secure, no problem," as he filmed himself in what appears to be an apartment. Despite confirming his safety, he has not communicated with his family, leaving behind three children and his wife.

Authorities connected with Borgwardt after communicating through a woman fluent in Russian. This reported unusual connection puts the focus on how he may have arranged his escape, which included sinking his kayak and mobile phone before making his way to safety on a stolen E-bike, followed by buses and flights to an undisclosed location.

Sheriff Mark Podoll voiced concerns for the impact on Borgwardt's family, particularly with the holiday season approaching. He highlighted the emotional toll on the children left behind and expressed a desire to persuade Borgwardt to return and address the consequences of his actions. In the bizarre twist of events, reports revealed that Borgwardt had taken out a substantial life insurance policy days prior to his disappearance, further fueling speculation about his intentions and the personal issues he faced.

As investigators continue to unravel the details of this case, they emphasize the importance of family and responsibility, urging Borgwardt to return home and face the ramifications of his dramatic escape.