In brief
Ryan Borgwardt, a Watertown resident, has been in regular contact with authorities while living in Eastern Europe after faking his death three months ago. Despite reassurance in a recent video, he has not committed to returning to his family.
Ryan Borgwardt, a man from Watertown, Wisconsin, who famously faked his own death and abandoned his family three months ago, has recently surfaced by sending a video to the authorities, claiming he is "safe" and "secure." The video, which was made public by Green Lake County Sheriff Mark A. Podoll during a recent news conference, shows Borgwardt recording himself in a simple apartment setting.In the 24-second clip, posted on November 11, Borgwardt appears calm as he addresses viewers, confirming his well-being. “Good evening, it’s Ryan Borgwardt,” he states softly. “I’m in my apartment. I am safe, secure, no problem. I hope this works.” Despite these assurances, local law enforcement cannot pinpoint his exact location, though they believe he is in Eastern Europe.Sheriff Podoll noted that investigators are in contact with Borgwardt nearly every day, urging him to return to his home and family, which he left behind, including a wife and three children. “We keep pulling at his heartstrings,” the sheriff remarked, determined to encourage a return home. However, Borgwardt has yet to commit to coming back, leaving authorities and his family in a state of uncertainty.This peculiar case has ignited public interest, highlighting issues of mental health and responsibility within familial structures as authorities continue their efforts to resolve the matter.
