Wisconsin Man Fakes Drowning, Lives Secretly Abroad, Sheriff Says
Green Lake County, Wisconsin – Authorities believed they were searching for a drowning victim when 45-year-old Ryan Borgwardt vanished after a kayaking trip on Green Lake in August. However, what was initially suspected to be a heartbreaking accidental death took a dramatic turn this November when it was revealed Borgwardt had faked his own demise, embarking on a journey to Europe instead.
Borgwardt is now in custody at the Green Lake County Jail after returning to the United States, shockingly bringing the bizarre odyssey to a close. A news conference scheduled today is expected to shed more light on Borgwardt’s elaborate scheme and the motive behind his uncanny disappearance.
The startling revelation unfolded after weeks of extensive searches involving local, state, and federal authorities who scoured the waters of Green Lake, where Borgwardt, a resident of Watertown, Wisconsin was last seen.
“It is important to us that we get
answers. We owe it to the families,” Sheriff Mark Podoll stated, emphasizing how the community and law enforcement had been left bewildered by the incident. “There were many resources put into this case, and we are pursuing restitution for the time and resources used searching for Ryan when he was alleged to be missing.”
Borgwardt’s sudden reappearance has also raised questions about how he managed such a well-orchestrated vanishing act and funded months abroad.
As investigators prepare to announce the charges against Borgwardt, it is anticipated that the list will include at least one charge of obstruction, along with the possibility of further charges.
Sheriff Podoll emphasized
that Borgwardt expressed remorse for the resources wasted and time squandered by the elaborate ruse. The sheriff declined to detail the specific reasons behind Borgwardt’s actions, stating only they involved “multiple reasons”.
Furthermore, details surrounding Borgwardt’s journey to Europe remain mostly unknown, as it is not confirmed if he had adequate documentation to travel internationally.
The Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office anticipates providing more information during the news conference today about this strange turn of events.
