Ryan Borgwardt’s audacious plan to fake his own drowning and flee to Eastern Europe leaves questions swirling as he faces justice back in Wisconsin.
At a Glance
- Ryan Borgwardt staged a fake drowning to escape the U.S. for Eastern Europe.
- Despite efforts to elude authorities, Borgwardt returned and was charged with obstruction.
- Borgwardt’s actions cost $35,000 and led to a comprehensive search operation.
- He pleaded not guilty and plans to represent himself in court.
The Unfolding of a Bold Escape Plan
Ryan Borgwardt, a kayaker from Wisconsin, allegedly orchestrated a scheme to make it appear he drowned in Green Lake to flee to Eastern Europe. He left identification in the lake before traveling from Madison to Toronto and eventually reaching Paris, then further east. His intention was to vanish, leaving clues such as passport photos and insurance details behind.
Borgwardt’s disappearance prompted a month-long search operation, costing upwards of $35,000, which he later admitted he hoped to delay further. His actions seemed to stem from extensive online research on disappearing and taking out a $375,000 life insurance policy for his family.
Legal Ramifications Await
Upon his voluntary return to the U.S. after realizing the flaws in his plan, Borgwardt turned himself in to authorities. He was charged with misdemeanor obstruction related to the search for his supposed remains. While a judge entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf, he was released on a $500 bail, and faces up to nine months in prison.
Despite the gravity of his actions, Borgwardt’s future hinges on his own defense as he cites financial constraints for representing himself in court. His trial, set to continue on January 13, will unfold further details that may illuminate his motivations and the impact on his family.
Investigation Reveals Deeper Insights
Investigators discovered Borgwardt’s strategic missteps, which included using his own passport in Canada, making him traceable to authorities. Upon contact, he communicated through a video message, asserting his safety but showing awareness of inevitable discovery. His path led through Southeast Asia and Georgia, with digital evidence from the laptop he left subtly uncovering his actions.
Borgwardt’s case embodies a dramatic episode that captured attention and resource allocation, petitioning for public and governmental awareness. His story symbolizes the lengths one might go to escape life’s trials and the inevitable reach of the law.
