In August 2024, Ryan Borgwardt, a 44-year-old father from Watertown, Wisconsin, went missing after embarking on a kayaking trip on Green Lake.
Initially, the situation looked like a tragic accident, with authorities and loved ones fearing that Borgwardt had drowned.
His kayak was discovered overturned, and his personal belongings were found along the lake.
This prompted a massive search operation involving divers, search dogs, and high-tech sonar equipment.
The exhaustive efforts yielded no body.
This prompted authorities to explore other theories about his disappearance, which led to a shocking discovery.
Investigators uncovered evidence that pointed toward a carefully planned escape, rather than a fatal accident.
New findings suggested that Borgwardt had likely faked his death, using his disappearance as a means to abandon his family and flee to Europe.
The case has since shifted from a missing person search to a global manhunt.
Investigators are currently working to uncover the motive behind Borgwardt's dramatic escape.
Who is Ryan Borgwardt?
Ryan Borgwardt is a 45-year-old father, husband, and resident of Watertown.
Before his mysterious disappearance, Borgwardt was known as a family-oriented man.
He lived a seemingly normal life with his wife and children.
He balanced family life with his work and personal interests, which included outdoor activities like kayaking and fishing.
 |
| Ryan Borgwardt and family |
Ryan Borgwardt’s disappearance on August 12, 2024, initially looked like a tragic accident
He had been out on a kayaking trip at Green Lake, a popular location about an hour north of his home.
Around 10:49 p.m. on the night of August 11, he reportedly sent a text to his wife, stating he was heading to shore.
However, he never returned.
The following morning his kayak was found capsized in the lake prompting major concern
His vehicle and trailer were located near the lake, further raising suspicions that something had gone wrong.
 |
| Ryan Borgwardt |
The Search for Ryan Borgwardt: What Really Happened?
The disappearance of Ryan Borgwardt sparked an extensive search operation.
The search began on August 12, 2024, after Borgwardt’s wife reported him missing.
After his vehicle and kayak were found near Dodge Memorial Park on Green Lake, authorities feared that Borgwardt had drowned.
This led them to immediately launch a more extensive search operation, including a thorough search of the lake.
High-tech search methods were employed during the investigation.
Bruce’s Legacy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to recovering drowning victims, played a significant role.
They deployed sonar equipment to scan the depths of Green Lake, which reaches over 200 feet in some areas.
This high-tech gear scoured more than 1,500 acres of water, searching for any trace of Ryan Borgwardt.
However nothing was found.
Additional support came from volunteers and professionals, including divers, canine units, and drones.
Despite these efforts, after eight weeks and over 50 days of searching, no sign of Ryan Borgwardt was found.
This prompted officials to reconsider their theory and shift the focus of their investigation.
 |
| Ryan Borgwardt's search by volunteers |
How Authorities Connected the Dots: Evidence of a Staged Death
By early October, 2024, new evidence began to surface, altering the course of the investigation.
It was discovered that Borgwardt’s passport had been used the day after he disappeared.
This suggested that he had left the country and possibly faked his death.
Further digital forensic analysis of Ryan Borgwardt's laptop revealed troubling findings.
He had replaced the hard drive and cleared his browser history.
Investigators later discovered that he had been in communication with a woman in Uzbekistan, suggesting an elaborate escape plan.
Ryan Borgwardt had also reportedly transferred funds to a foreign bank account and took out a $375,000 life insurance policy in January, months before his disappearance.
Additionally, investigators uncovered a trail suggesting he may have crossed into Canada before heading to Eastern Europe.
As Sheriff Podoll explained in a press release, the discovery of this evidence was crucial.
“We’re in a really good position that we know he is someplace out there,” he said.
This shift led authorities to believe Ryan Borgwardt may have faked his own drowning to disappear and start a new life abroad.
 |
| Ryan Borgwardt's search by volunteers |
After nearly two months of exhaustive efforts, the search for Borgwardt officially came to an end.
With no physical evidence of his death in the lake, investigators now believe that Borgwardt is alive and possibly living in Europe.
However, the search continues for answers.
The investigation remains active, with multiple agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, involved.
The focus is now on understanding the motive behind Ryan Borgwardt’s actions and tracking his whereabouts.
A critical breakthrough came when investigators discovered that Ryan Borgwardt had replaced his passport just months before his disappearance.
This new passport, obtained in May, was "run" by Canadian authorities the day after he went missing.
This was an early indicator that Ryan Borgwardt might have been planning an escape rather than succumbing to a drowning accident.
With the mounting evidence, authorities were forced to abandon their initial theory of a tragic kayaking accident.
Sheriff Mark Podoll, who had been leading the investigation, played a key role in steering the investigation in a new direction
After nearly two months of exhaustive searching, he and his team decided to shift their focus.
As the investigation continues, Podoll and his team are now working with federal and international law enforcement agencies to track down Ryan Borgwardt and determine what criminal charges, if any, might be involved
Why Did Ryan Borgwardt Fake His Death?
Ryan Borgwardt’s disappearance has left many perplexed, especially after authorities revealed the possibility that he may have faked his own death.
So, what drove a seemingly family-oriented man to stage his own demise?
Investigators are piecing together a complex web of motivations that might explain his actions.
Possible Motivations
Desire to Abandon His Family and Responsibilities: One of the key reasons for Ryan Borgwardt’s apparent escape is a possible desire to abandon the responsibilities of his family. The stress of family life may have led him to seek a clean break from his past. This would explain why, rather than face his problems head-on, he chose the drastic step of faking his death.
A Relationship with a Woman in Uzbekistan: Investigators uncovered that Borgwardt had been in communication with a woman from Uzbekistan. They believed this may have been a major factor in his decision to leave everything behind. It's possible that he saw this relationship as an opportunity for a new life, away from the commitments in Wisconsin. His digital footprint, including email changes and communications with the woman, points to the possibility that this affair played a significant role in his escape plan.
Life Insurance Fraud: Another potential motive is financial gain. In January 2024, Ryan Borgwardt took out a $375,000 life insurance policy, which could have provided him with a substantial financial cushion if he succeeded in his plan. His staged kayaking accident, followed by a careful attempt to erase his digital trail, suggests that he may have intended to collect the payout from his life insurance policy once the disappearance was deemed permanent. Such a calculated move indicates a deeper financial motivation behind the staged death.
 |
| Ryan Borgwardt and his wife |
The Legal Implications: What Happens When Someone Fakes Their Death?
When someone fakes their death, the consequences are far-reaching, both legally and financially.
Faking a death is not a simple deception; it involves a series of serious criminal charges, particularly if the act was intended to defraud or evade legal obligations.
One of the primary charges someone might face when faking their death is fraud, which can take many forms.
If the individual took out life insurance and filed a false claim, they could face insurance fraud charges.
This is a common scenario, especially when large policies are involved, as in the case of Ryan Borgwardt, who took out a $375,000 life insurance policy months before he was reported missing.
If the intention was to collect this sum after disappearing, it would be considered a criminal act.
Additionally, false reporting to law enforcement is a crime.
This includes actions like providing false information to authorities or staging a disappearance, as Borgwardt allegedly did by leaving behind his kayak and other belongings to create the illusion of drowning.
This can result in charges such as obstruction of justice or misuse of emergency services, depending on the extent of the investigation and resources involved.
Another aspect of legal ramifications is the potential involvement of federal agencies.
In cases like Ryan Borgwardt’s, where the person may have crossed borders, federal authorities like the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may get involved in the investigation.
These agencies have the tools to trace international movements, such as checking passport activity, bank transfers, and electronic communication.
In Ryan Borgwardt’s case, his passport was used in Canada just a day after he was reported missing.
His digital trail pointed toward Europe, where he may have been trying to establish a new life under a false identity.
 |
| Ryan Borgwardt and his family |
If Ryan Borgwardt is found overseas, the process becomes even more complex.
Depending on the country where he is located, he could face extradition procedures.
The charges that Borgwardt could face upon his return or extradition to the U.S. would likely carry severe penalties.
These could include lengthy prison sentences, heavy fines, and restitution, all of which would reflect the gravity of his actions.
In addition to the criminal consequences, there would also likely be significant personal and social ramifications for his family, who may have believed his death was real.
Where Is Ryan Borgwardt Now?
Ryan Borgwardt, the Wisconsin father who was initially believed to have drowned in Green Lake, is now suspected of faking his own death to escape his life in the U.S.
Authorities strongly believe that Ryan Borgwardt may have fled to Eastern Europe.
Sheriff Mark Podoll confirmed during a press conference that Borgwardt’s digital footprint included transactions involving a foreign bank.
He was also in communication with a woman in Uzbekistan, and even secured a new passport months before his supposed disappearance.
Podoll stated, “We are quite confident he’s somewhere out there, potentially in Eastern Europe, likely in Uzbekistan.”
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Homeland Security, are now coordinating efforts to locate Borgwardt.
However, his current whereabouts remain unknown, complicating the legal pursuit.
If Ryan Borgwardt manages to stay hidden, especially in countries with less cooperative extradition agreements, he could evade justice indefinitely.
Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that his family is desperate for answers.
In a direct appeal, Podoll said, “Ryan, if you’re listening, please contact your family. Your loved ones are devastated, and we just want to know you’re safe.”
The Impact on Borgwardt’s Family
The revelation that Ryan Borgwardt might still be alive and deliberately staged his disappearance has been an emotional rollercoaster for his family.
Ryan Borgwardt’s wife, Emily, and their children were initially consumed with grief, believing he had tragically drowned.
For weeks, they endured the agony of not knowing, clinging to hope while rescue teams scoured Green Lake.
The emotional toll escalated after the November announcement that Ryan might have faked his death.
The shock of this betrayal has left his family reeling.
Emily Borgwardt, who has refrained from making public statements, is reportedly devastated.
According to sources close to the family, the realization that her husband may have chosen to abandon his family for a new life abroad has been a heartbreaking blow.
A close family friend shared, “Emily feels like she’s mourning all over again, but this time it’s not just his death — it’s the death of the life they had together.”
Their children, who range from high school to grade school, are reportedly struggling to process the news.
The search efforts, which once symbolized hope for closure, have now become a painful reminder of their father’s deception.
The betrayal has not only shattered their trust but has also left them dealing with public scrutiny as the investigation continues to unfold.
In addition to the emotional devastation, the financial strain on the family has been immense.
Ryan Borgwardt’s disappearance has drained resources, as authorities are now considering legal actions to recover search costs.
The family's distress is further compounded by the potential involvement of third parties who may have assisted Ryan Borgwardt in his plans.
This indicated a deeper level of deceit and premeditation.
For Emily and her children, the uncertainty of their future lingers as authorities continue their search for answers.
The hope now is that Ryan Borgwardt will either come forward or that authorities will locate him, offering the family some closure after months of emotional turmoil.
.jpg)
This crime case has broader implications for public trust in missing person investigations.
When resources are diverted for cases like this, genuine emergencies may receive less attention.
As Keith Cormican of Bruce’s Legacy noted, “Time and resources spent on this case could have been used to help other families in need.”
The case is ongoing and we will be posting updates as they unfold.
Source
Comments
Post a Comment