The case of Ryan Borgwardt has taken a shocking and dramatic turn, leaving many questioning his motives and the extent of his deception. In August, Borgwardt, a father of three from Wisconsin, disappeared while kayaking, and authorities initially believed he had tragically drowned. Search efforts were launched to recover his remains, and his family was left devastated by his apparent death. However, it was soon revealed that the father’s disappearance was not as it seemed. Borgwardt had orchestrated an elaborate plan to fake his own death in order to leave his family behind and be with another woman.
Through digital forensics, investigators traced Borgwardt’s communications with a woman from Uzbekistan, and by November, authorities had confirmed that he was alive. Borgwardt was contacted and, after providing answers to questions only he would know, admitted to faking his death. His story was that he had flipped his kayak on Green Lake, discarded his phone, and used an inflatable boat to escape to shore. He then traveled to Detroit, made his way to Canada, and ultimately flew to Eastern Europe. According to Borgwardt, his actions were motivated by “personal matters.”
Despite his attempt to vanish, Borgwardt’s plan unraveled when authorities pieced together the details of his journey. In particular, the fact that he had left his laptop behind—a crucial piece of evidence—proved to be his downfall. Borgwardt later admitted that leaving the laptop was intentional, explaining that it would have been suspicious to take it with him while pretending to drown. However, it was this seemingly small mistake that led investigators to uncover his deception.
After returning to the U.S. in December, Borgwardt turned himself in and was charged with obstructing an officer for misleading the authorities. He posted a $500 bond and was released from custody. His actions, though, had consequences beyond the legal realm. His wife, Emily, filed for annulment and legal separation, citing that their 22-year marriage was irreparably broken due to his actions. She also sought sole custody of their three children. The separation hearing is scheduled for April 2025, and it remains unclear whether Borgwardt has had any contact with his family since his return.
Borgwardt’s next court date is set for January 13, 2025, where he faces a possible fine of up to $10,000 and up to nine months in prison. This case raises important questions about deception, the lengths some individuals will go to escape their personal lives, and the emotional toll their actions can have on loved ones.