Missing Wisconsin Dad Ryan Borgwardt: Did He Fake His Own Death to Escape to Europe?

Watertown, Wisconsin – The mysterious disappearance of Ryan Borgwardt, a 45-year-old father of three, has taken a shocking turn as investigators suspect he may have staged his own death to escape to Europe. Borgwardt was reported missing on August 12, 2024, after a kayaking trip on Green Lake, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and a devastated family.

On the evening of August 11, Borgwardt sent a text to his wife at 10:49 PM, indicating he was returning to shore. However, he never made it back. His family reported him missing the following day, prompting extensive search efforts that included divers, sonar technology, and cadaver dogs. Despite nearly two months of searching, the only evidence found was his overturned kayak and personal items, including his fishing rod, wallet, and keys.

The Search Efforts

The initial search for Borgwardt was exhaustive. Local authorities, along with volunteer organizations like Bruce’s Legacy, dedicated significant resources to locate him. Sheriff Mark Podoll expressed frustration over the emotional toll the search took on both the family and the search teams. “We believe he is alive and likely in Eastern Europe,” Podoll stated, highlighting the challenges faced during the investigation.

1. Kayak Found: An overturned kayak was discovered, raising immediate concerns.
2. Personal Items: Borgwardt’s wallet, keys, and fishing rod were located near the kayak.
3. Search Duration: Nearly two months of searching yielded no trace of Borgwardt.

Evidence of a Staged Death

As the investigation progressed, authorities uncovered evidence suggesting that Borgwardt may have faked his own death. A new passport was obtained shortly before his disappearance, and Canadian authorities checked his name just one day after he went missing. This raised suspicions about his intentions, especially since his original passport was found at home, indicating he did not plan to lose it.

Forensic analysis of Borgwardt’s laptop revealed that he wiped its hard drive and deleted browser history on the day he disappeared. Financial records showed he transferred money to an overseas account and communicated with a woman in Uzbekistan prior to his vanishing. These digital footprints have led investigators to believe that Borgwardt meticulously planned his disappearance.

Life Insurance Policy Raises Questions

Adding to the intrigue, Borgwardt took out a life insurance policy worth $375,000 in January 2024, just months before his disappearance. This has raised further suspicions about his motives. Investigators are now exploring whether his actions constitute any criminal offenses, including obstruction of justice or fraud related to the life insurance policy.

Community Impact and Criticism

The extensive search efforts have not only impacted Borgwardt’s family but also the community at large. Organizations like Bruce’s Legacy have faced criticism for what some perceive as misallocated resources due to Borgwardt’s alleged actions. Keith Cormican, a representative from Bruce’s Legacy, highlighted the distress and financial loss incurred from the search operations, stating, “We dedicated so much time and effort, only to find ourselves questioning the integrity of the situation.”

Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal

Authorities are collaborating with federal and international agencies to track Borgwardt’s whereabouts. Sheriff Podoll has made a public appeal for Borgwardt to contact his family or authorities, emphasizing the need for closure. “We just want to know that he is safe,” Podoll said, urging Borgwardt to reach out.

Conclusion

The case of Ryan Borgwardt remains a perplexing mystery, with investigators piecing together evidence that suggests he may have orchestrated his own disappearance. As the investigation continues, the emotional toll on his family and the community is palpable. The implications of his alleged actions could lead to serious legal consequences, and the search for answers continues.

In a world where the truth can often be obscured, the story of Ryan Borgwardt serves as a reminder of the complexities of human behavior and the lengths some may go to escape their circumstances. As authorities work diligently to uncover the truth, the hope remains that closure will eventually come for those left behind.