Authorities in Green Lake, Wisconsin, believe that a man who went missing while kayaking on Green Lake this summer may have faked his death to escape to Europe. Ryan Borgwardt, 45, was last seen on 12 August during what was supposed to be a solo fishing trip on Green Lake, leaving behind a baffling mystery.
“We believe that he is alive. We know that he’s not in our lake,” said Green Lake County Chief Deputy Sheriff Matthew Vande Kolk, indicating that Borgwardt’s disappearance may have been an elaborate scheme to evade his life in Wisconsin.
What Were the Initial Signs of a Possible Escape?
The first clue that something was amiss surfaced when Borgwardt, a married father of three, failed to return home. His family last heard from him on the night of 11 August, when he texted his wife, stating he was “turning his kayak around and heading to shore soon.” However, when he did not come home, his family promptly alerted local law enforcement, who initiated an extensive search-and-rescue operation.
Rescuers discovered Borgwardt’s capsized kayak and life jacket in the lake. His car, trailer, fishing rod, and wallet were also found abandoned nearby at the park. The scene suggested an accident, leading officials to conduct a thorough search over 54 days. Divers, drones, sonar equipment, and cadaver dogs were all used in the effort. However, despite the extensive search, no trace of a body or additional evidence was found, prompting investigators to consider alternative explanations.
What Led Authorities to Suspect International Travel?
In October, the case took a major turn when investigators discovered that Borgwardt’s name had been registered by Canadian border officials on 13 August, just one day after he was reported missing. This revelation raised doubts about the initial accident theory and suggested he might still be alive.
Investigators soon learned that Borgwardt had previously reported his passport as lost or stolen and had been issued a replacement before his disappearance. The original passport was later recovered from his wife, indicating that he may have used the new document to travel.
Did Financial Evidence and Digital Clues Reveal a Planned Escape?
Authorities continued to investigate Borgwardt’s recent actions, including a forensic analysis of his laptop. Their findings revealed that Borgwardt had recently taken out a $375,000 life insurance policy, raised significant funds that he transferred into a foreign bank account, and altered his email address. He also photographed his new passport, further indicating preparations for a planned departure.
Additionally, evidence showed that on the day he vanished, Borgwardt replaced the laptop’s hard drive and cleared his browser history. According to the authorities, these actions were likely an attempt to erase any traceable online activity.
“We believe he put a great deal of thought into this, and we’re evaluating possible charges that could include obstruction and fraud,” Vande Kolk said.
Where Could Borgwardt Be Now?
Officials suspect Borgwardt may have traveled to Eastern Europe and are working to confirm his location. The Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office is collaborating with international agencies in hopes of identifying where Borgwardt may have gone and whether anyone assisted him in executing his disappearance.
Chief Deputy Sheriff Vande Kolk emphasized the seriousness of the case, explaining, “We hope that, at some point, we’ll be able to hold Ryan accountable for his actions and request restitution.”
How Has Borgwardt’s Family Responded to the Investigation?
Borgwardt’s family has been fully cooperative with investigators, with his wife described as “extremely strong” by the chief deputy sheriff. “She has done everything that we have asked of her regarding helping us with information and holding on to information,” Vande Kolk stated. He added, “Unfortunately, we had to keep this quiet for about a month from when we started thinking that he was somewhere else until we had enough information to share with the world, and she did that.”
As the investigation unfolds, authorities remain committed to uncovering the full extent of Borgwardt’s actions and understanding the reasons behind his departure.
What Comes Next in the Investigation?
The sheriff’s office continues to search for Borgwardt, who is believed to be alive and residing somewhere in Eastern Europe. Authorities are also pursuing leads on anyone who may have helped Borgwardt escape. As they build their case, they hope to resolve the mystery and pursue legal action to address his alleged deception.
