Ryan Borgwardt, a Wisconsin kayaker who faked his own death and fled the country, has returned to the U.S. and is facing legal consequences.
According to Fox6, sealed search warrants reveal the detailed investigation that uncovered Borgwardt’s plans and ultimately led to his return.
The case began when Borgwardt disappeared in August, sparking an intense search in Green Lake. The small town of 1,000 was captivated by the story, with locals expressing sympathy for his family. “You just think, for the family, how horrible that is,” said Carrie Nolen, owner of Sassafras coffee shop.
However, investigators discovered Borgwardt was far from Green Lake—nearly 6,000 miles away in Georgia, living in a hotel with another woman and $5,500. Court filings revealed that Borgwardt had taken out a $375,000 life insurance policy months before his disappearance and had hidden thousands of dollars in credit card debt from his family. Digital evidence, including a text file titled “promise” found on his computer, exposed messages planning a life with another woman.
Borgwardt also applied for a second passport in April and used it to enter Canada the day after he went missing. Despite attempting to erase his digital footprint, investigators pieced together his actions, ultimately tracking him down.
On Dec. 10, Borgwardt voluntarily returned to U.S. soil and turned himself in. Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll remarked, “We brought a dad back, on his own accord.”
Borgwardt now faces a misdemeanor obstruction charge and has surrendered his passport. He was released on a $500 bond and is expected to appear in court next month. This bizarre case has left the Green Lake community reeling, as details of Borgwardt’s actions come to light.
