The tranquil waters of Green Lake in Wisconsin have become the focal point of an urgent search operation as authorities, friends, family, and volunteers intensify their efforts to find 44-year-old Ryan Borgwardt, a resident of Watertown, who has been missing since Monday, August 12, 2024. Ryan, an experienced kayaker and outdoor enthusiast, failed to return home after a solo kayaking trip on Green Lake, sparking immediate concern and a wide-scale search that has since captivated the local community.
The search for Ryan began in earnest after his family reported him missing when he did not return home as expected on Monday morning. The family, who had grown increasingly worried after attempts to contact him went unanswered, reached out to the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office, setting off a chain of events that have since seen dozens of people come together in a desperate bid to locate him.
Sheriff Mark Podoll of Green Lake County, who has been at the forefront of the search operation, confirmed that search efforts began as soon as the report was received. Authorities quickly mobilized resources, deploying drones to scan the area from above while boats conducted a meticulous grid search of the lake. The operation has been concentrated around Dodge Memorial Park, a popular recreation area on the lake’s northern shore, where a chilling discovery was made: an overturned kayak and a life jacket, both believed to belong to Ryan, were found floating near the shoreline.
The discovery of the overturned kayak and life jacket has only deepened the concern for Ryan’s safety. These items, identified by family members as belonging to Ryan, were found abandoned in a manner that suggests he may have encountered difficulties while out on the water. The absence of Ryan himself has left a cloud of uncertainty and fear hanging over the community, as friends, family, and authorities grapple with the possibility that he may have been injured or become disoriented while kayaking.
The search, which was temporarily suspended on Monday evening due to fading daylight, resumed early Tuesday morning at 6:00 a.m. with renewed urgency. Sheriff Podoll has been candid about the challenges faced by the search teams, citing the vastness of Green Lake and the complexity of underwater searches as significant hurdles. Nevertheless, he has emphasized the importance of the ongoing efforts, vowing to leave no stone unturned in the quest to find Ryan and bring him home.
The search has since grown into a community-wide effort, with local residents, volunteers, and even businesses joining forces to support the search teams. Volunteers have been combing the shores of Green Lake, while local businesses have donated food, water, and other supplies to sustain the search crews. The community’s response has been one of overwhelming support and solidarity, with many expressing their hope for a positive outcome in what has quickly become a deeply personal and emotional search.
As the search continues, authorities have been careful to manage the flow of information, particularly regarding Ryan’s personal details. Out of respect for the family’s privacy and the ongoing investigation, Sheriff Podoll has refrained from releasing further information about Ryan’s identity or the circumstances leading up to his disappearance. However, he did express concern over the number of similar incidents that have occurred on Green Lake in recent years, particularly in the past three years, where the lake has claimed the lives of several individuals involved in water-related activities.
Sheriff Podoll has used this incident as an opportunity to remind the public of the importance of water safety. He has urged anyone engaging in water activities, especially those who may be alone, to take proper precautions, including wearing life jackets at all times, being aware of weather conditions, and notifying someone of their plans before heading out. The sheriff’s message is clear: while the search for Ryan continues, it is crucial to prevent future tragedies by ensuring that everyone on the water is as safe as possible.
The search operation has also drawn the attention of neighboring law enforcement agencies, some of whom have offered additional resources and support. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has provided specialized equipment for underwater searches, while the local fire department has assisted with shoreline patrols and first aid stations for volunteers. The collaborative nature of the search effort highlights the community’s determination to find Ryan and underscores the seriousness with which this operation is being conducted.
For those who know Ryan, the past few days have been a blur of worry, hope, and a desperate longing for answers. Ryan is well-known in Watertown for his love of the outdoors, his dedication to his family, and his deep connection to nature. An avid kayaker, Ryan had spent countless hours on the water, exploring the lakes and rivers of Wisconsin with a sense of peace and fulfillment that his family and friends say was central to who he was.
The possibility that something has gone terribly wrong on what should have been a routine kayaking trip has left those closest to him grappling with a range of emotions—from fear and anxiety to hope and determination. Ryan’s family, while deeply concerned, has remained resolute in their belief that he will be found. They have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community and have asked for continued prayers and assistance in the search.
The emotional toll of the search has been palpable, particularly as the days stretch on without significant developments. Volunteers, many of whom have known Ryan for years, have described the experience as both physically and emotionally exhausting. Yet, there is a shared understanding that every effort must be made to find him, and this collective resolve has become a source of strength for the search teams.
As the search enters its third day, the focus remains on Green Lake and its surrounding areas. Authorities continue to explore all possible avenues, including the use of sonar technology to scan the lake’s depths and the deployment of K-9 units to search the wooded areas along the shore. While the search has yet to yield definitive results, there remains a strong sense of hope that Ryan will be found and that the community will be able to rally around him as he is brought safely home.
In the meantime, the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office has asked that anyone with information about Ryan’s whereabouts, or who may have seen him on the day of his disappearance, come forward immediately. Even the smallest detail could prove crucial in piecing together what happened and aiding the search teams in their efforts.
As the search for Ryan Borgwardt continues, the people of Watertown and Green Lake are reminded of the fragile and unpredictable nature of life. Ryan’s story has become a stark reminder of the importance of safety, the value of community, and the need for vigilance when engaging in activities that, while enjoyable, can carry inherent risks.
For now, the community remains united in its hope for Ryan’s safe return. His absence has left a void that is felt deeply by all who know him, and the search has become not just a mission to find a missing person, but a collective expression of love, concern, and the unwavering belief that Ryan will be brought back to those who care for him.
The Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office has promised to provide updates as new information becomes available, and the community remains on high alert, ready to respond to any developments. The days ahead will be critical, and the hope is that they will bring the answers that Ryan’s family and friends so desperately seek.
Until then, the search continues, driven by the determination to bring Ryan home, the support of a caring community, and the shared belief that, despite the challenges, he will be found.
