US Father Fakes Kayaking Death to Abandon Family, Sentenced to 89 Days
Ryan Borgwardt staged his disappearance on a Wisconsin lake, prompting an 89-day international search. He’s now jailed and ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution.
Wisconsin Man’s Disappearance Sparks International Search
Ryan Borgwardt, a 45-year-old father of three, vanished from a fishing trip on Lake Poygan, Wisconsin, in August 2024. He left behind his phone, ID and an overturned kayak, triggering an extensive 89-day search by local and state authorities.
Flight to Europe
Investigators uncovered that Borgwardt had staged his death to start a new life abroad. He first crossed into Canada, then flew to Georgia in the former Soviet Union to meet a woman he met online. He even reversed his vasectomy, transferred funds to a foreign account and applied for a new passport to support his plan.
Legal Outcome
Last week, Green Lake County Circuit Court Judge Mark Slate sentenced Borgwardt to 89 days in jail for obstructing law enforcement, matching the duration of the search. He was also ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution to cover rescue costs.
“He obstructed law enforcement for a total of 89 days,” Judge Slate said during sentencing. Borgwardt expressed remorse in court, saying, “I deeply regret the actions I did that night and all the pain I caused my family and friends.”
Aftermath
Borgwardt returned voluntarily to the U.S. in December after authorities in Georgia were alerted by a Russian-speaking woman who had contacted him. He faces only misdemeanor charges, which would not have permitted extradition had he stayed abroad. His wife of 22 years has filed for divorce.
Ryan Borgwardt’s elaborate plan to fake his death created a costly 89-day search and ended with a brief jail term and financial penalties.
This topic was reported by BBC.
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