Ryan Borgwardt, a man who faked his own drowning in Wisconsin before fleeing to Eastern Europe, has voluntarily returned home and is now set to face charges. After disappearing in August, Borgwardt spent months evading law enforcement search efforts that cost at least $35,000. Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll announced Borgwardt’s return, stating that he will likely be charged with obstruction of the search operation, but other charges are still pending.
Borgwardt had been last seen in August heading to Green Lake for kayaking, but his vehicle and kayak were found abandoned near the lake. The search for his body lasted over 50 days, with divers repeatedly combing the lake for any sign of him. Investigators later uncovered clues suggesting he had fled to Eastern Europe, possibly to meet a woman he had met online in Uzbekistan.
After making contact with him in early November, authorities had difficulty convincing Borgwardt to return to the US. He cited “personal matters” as his reason for fleeing and provided a detailed account of his escape, including paddling an inflatable boat to shore after overturning his kayak.
Borgwardt’s bizarre disappearance and fake death not only led to a costly search operation but also left authorities puzzled over his motives for pretending to drown. As he now faces charges upon his return to the US, further details about his time in Europe and the circumstances that led him to stage his death are expected to emerge during the legal proceedings.
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