Wisconsin Kayaker Who Faked His Death Now in Custody

GREEN LAKE, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – The Wisconsin kayaker who faked his own death is now back on American soil, and in police custody. 

Back in August, 45-year-old Ryan Borgwardt brought his kayak into the middle of Green Lake, left it there, and dropped his phone in the water. At the time, it looked like some kind of accident. Authorities spent weeks searching for him. 

Later, the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office learned Borgwardt’s passport had been scanned at the Canadian border. Through their investigation, they learned Borgwardt had a relationship with a woman in Uzbekistan, and had bought additional life insurance earlier in the year. 

Their next task was to find him. They ended up tracking him to eastern Europe. Eventually they got in contact with Borgwardt, confirming he was alive and safe. He even explained how he staged the scene and escaped. 

After tracking him down, their mission shifted: law enforcement focused on convincing Borgwardt to come home voluntarily. 

It worked. Borgwardt returned to Wisconsin on Tuesday, and was taken into custody of the sheriff’s office. 

“[Deputies are] the ones that kept this going. I couldn’t be more proud of what they did for a family,” Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll said, tears in his eyes. “We didn’t give up. And we can stand here today feeling relieved.” 

Borgwardt now faces charges. Authorities had previously said he would likely be required to pay back the $40-50,000 spent searching for him.