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Wisconsin Father Sentenced After Faking His Death and Fleeing to Europe

A father of three from Wisconsin, who staged his own drowning during a kayaking trip to leave his family and escape with an online partner, will serve time in jail equal to the duration of the extensive search conducted by authorities.

Ryan Borgwardt, 45, was sentenced to 89 days in county jail after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor charge of obstructing an officer. During the hearing, the judge emphasized that his sentence reflected how long he maintained his deception.

Borgwardt expressed deep remorse before sentencing, apologizing for the pain caused to his loved ones. He was ordered to pay $30,000 to local law enforcement for resources wasted during the nine-week investigation that cost at least $50,000.

He had been reported missing in August 2024 after a kayak and lifejacket, believed to belong to him, were found on Green Lake, leading authorities to suspect drowning. However, after an 8-week search, it was revealed he had been chatting online with a woman from Uzbekistan, and he had never drowned. Instead, he faked his death to pursue a relationship abroad.

Investigators uncovered that Borgwardt had taken steps to cover his tracks, including opening a new bank account, applying for a replacement passport, and purchasing a $375,000 life insurance policy. He had also checked his own name in law enforcement records in Canada the day after he was declared missing.

After staging his disappearance, he traveled 70 miles overnight to Madison on an electric bike, then took a bus to Detroit, crossed into Canada, and boarded a flight from Toronto. From there, he traveled through Paris to Georgia, claiming he was picked up by his online partner, and they stayed in a hotel before reaching Georgia.

Authorities eventually located Borgwardt in November, and he was convinced to return to the US in December to face charges. He admitted his actions were driven by personal issues, believing law enforcement would eventually give up the search.

In the aftermath, Borgwardt’s wife of 22 years divorced him, citing an “irretrievable” marriage. His attorney stated that Borgwardt regrets his actions and has taken steps to make amends, including paying restitution.

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