How a Father Faked His Death and Fled Abroad for a Secret Affair

When Ryan Borgwardt, now 45, disappeared on a serene Wisconsin lake, his family and community feared the worst. The father of three was an experienced kayaker who had set out for a routine fishing trip on Green Lake in August 2024. When his overturned kayak and personal belongings were found, it seemed tragedy had struck. But after weeks of exhaustive searches, a shocking truth emerged: Borgwardt hadn't drowned — he had allegedly orchestrated his own disappearance and fled the country.

A Grieving Family, A Relentless Search

For nearly two months, authorities and volunteers worked tirelessly to locate Borgwardt, focusing their efforts on Green Lake. Advanced sonar equipment, drones, and cadaver dogs were deployed to search the water and its surroundings, with a nonprofit organization specializing in water recovery dedicating weeks of effort to the case. The emotional toll on search teams and the Borgwardt family was immense, with everyone involved grappling with the growing uncertainty.

The search shifted direction in October 2024 when investigators discovered Borgwardt's passport had been flagged at the Canadian border the day after his disappearance. With this key piece of evidence, the investigation pivoted from a presumed drowning to a suspected case of deliberate deception.

A Calculated Escape

Borgwardt's "disappearance" was revealed to be a carefully planned escape. On the day he vanished, he reportedly staged his drowning by capsizing his kayak and leaving personal items behind to create the illusion of an accident. He allegedly returned to shore using a child-sized inflatable boat and then biked 80 miles to Madison, Wisconsin, where he boarded a bus to Detroit, Michigan. By the time search teams were scouring the lake, Borgwardt reportedly had already crossed into Canada and was on a flight to Europe.

Months of preparation preceded his disappearance. Borgwardt had taken out a substantial life insurance policy, transferred money to a foreign bank account, and communicated with a woman in Uzbekistan. Investigators also discovered he had replaced his laptop's hard drive and cleared his browser history, further evidence of his intent to vanish.

Shattered Trust

Borgwardt's disappearance left his family in turmoil. After weeks of mourning, they faced the devastating reality that he had not actually drowned — he had allegedly abandoned them. His wife initiated legal separation proceedings, seeking sole custody of their three children and citing the breakdown of their 22-year marriage.

The financial and emotional costs extended beyond the family. Taxpayer funds and resources from nonprofit organizations were exhausted in the extensive search for Borgwardt. The case drew the attention of federal agencies, including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, as they worked to piece together his movements and determine whether others had assisted him.

Ongoing Investigation

Borgwardt ultimately returned to the United States voluntarily in November 2024, months after his disappearance. He now faces an additional misdemeanor charge of obstructing an officer, which carries a potential penalty of up to nine months in jail and a $10,000 fine. Authorities have also indicated plans to seek restitution for the costs of the search, which included significant taxpayer-funded resources and thousands of dollars in nonprofit expenses.

The investigation remains active, with authorities continuing to examine Borgwardt's actions, including his time overseas, his communication with individuals in Uzbekistan, and whether others played a role in facilitating his escape. Borgwardt is due back in court in January 2025, and his ongoing case serves as a striking example of the far-reaching consequences of calculated deception.

References: A missing Wisconsin kayaker was initially believed to have drowned. Officials say he faked his own death | Missing father faked death, left country to meet with another woman | Wisconsin kayaker charged after officials say he faked his death and fled to Eastern Europe