A Wisconsin man who faked his own death and fled the country to be with a woman in eastern Europe is now back in the United States and in jail.
Ryan Borwardt had gone fishing in his kayak at Green Lake in August. When he didn’t return, his family reported him missing, leading to an extensive search effort. Authorities used underwater drones, submersible sonar, and K9 cadaver teams in an attempt to locate him.
The search continued for 54 days until investigators discovered that Borgwardt had hidden an eBike near the boat launch. He had ditched his kayak and fishing equipment, paddled away from the lake in a child’s inflatable boat, then rode the bike to Madison, where he caught a bus to Canada.
Once in Canada, he hopped a plane to Europe.
On November 21, the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office revealed these details and shared that they had communicated with Borgwardt through a woman who spoke Russian. He had even provided a “proof of life” video showing “his apartment” in Europe.
According to The Associated Press, Borgwardt was booked into the Green Lake County jail on Tuesday. No charges were listed.
The Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office plans a press conference later Wednesday morning, according to the Fond du Lac Reporter.
