On November 11, Ryan Borgwardt, a 45-year-old man from the United States, reached out to the police to confirm his safety after disappearing during what he faked as a kayaking accident. Authorities initially thought he had drowned while on a solo fishing trip in Green Lake County, Wisconsin. Detectives conducted a 54-day search, only to discover evidence suggesting Borgwardt may have fled to Eastern Europe instead.
Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podell shared the news that the missing man is alive, but his exact location remains unknown. "The good news is he's still alive and well," Podell stated, while expressing concern for Borgwardt's family, especially his three children and wife. The sheriff revealed that in an effort to encourage Borgwardt's return, the police had been in contact with him, appealing emotionally to his sense of responsibility.
The 24-second video Borgwardt sent, recorded in a plain apartment, displayed him seemingly unbothered as he stated, "I am safe, secure, no problem." Following his departure, police learned that he took out a substantial life insurance policy, transferred money to foreign accounts, and altered his contact details. Investigators traced his journey from an E-bike ride to Madison, Wisconsin, before crossing into Canada to board a flight to an undisclosed location.
Although he remains elusive, law enforcement is committed to piecing together the details of his disappearance. No criminal charges have been filed against Borgwardt yet, but authorities note that he owes $40,000 for the extensive search efforts. Sheriff Podell grew emotional in his remarks, highlighting the impact on Borgwardt's family as the holiday season approaches, emphasizing the distress caused by his absence during this time of the year.
