In a dramatic twist to a case that has captured the attention of Green Lake County and beyond, authorities now believe that 44-year-old Ryan Borgwardt, who was previously reported missing while kayaking on Green Lake, staged his own death and fled the country. Investigators uncovered a complex trail of evidence suggesting that Borgwardt meticulously planned his disappearance, using a new passport, international contacts, digital manipulation, and a recently acquired life insurance policy to facilitate his escape, likely to Europe.
This revelation has raised questions about Borgwardt’s motives, his methodical approach to his own disappearance, and the lengths he went to execute a seemingly flawless plan to vanish.
The Disappearance on Green Lake: Initial Reports and Search Efforts
The case began in August 2024, when Borgwardt was reported missing after he was last seen kayaking on Green Lake. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Bruce’s Legacy, and local search teams immediately mobilized to locate him, combing through the lake and surrounding areas for signs of the missing kayaker. Despite extensive searches that spanned multiple days and included the use of specialized equipment, Borgwardt’s kayak and other personal belongings were never recovered. For months, the community of Green Lake was left wondering if a tragic accident had occurred, but authorities were determined to leave no stone unturned.
The Discovery of Evidence Suggesting a Staged Disappearance
In a breakthrough development, digital forensic analysts uncovered crucial information suggesting Borgwardt may have staged his own disappearance with the intent to start a new life overseas. According to a statement from the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office, investigators found multiple clues pointing to Borgwardt’s deliberate planning. A digital analysis of Borgwardt’s laptop revealed that he had searched for information on relocating abroad, setting up foreign bank accounts, and erasing his digital footprint.
Among the most revealing details was Borgwardt’s acquisition of a replacement passport, which he had obtained after reporting his original passport lost or stolen. Issued in May 2024, the new passport allowed him to circumvent tracking by U.S. authorities. The timing of this replacement was particularly suspicious, as it occurred just months before his supposed disappearance.
Further analysis revealed that Borgwardt had replaced the hard drive in his laptop and cleared his internet browsers on the day of his disappearance. These actions strongly suggested he was attempting to erase any digital evidence of his whereabouts and plans.
Financial Motives and Evidence of a New Life Abroad
Investigators discovered that Borgwardt had recently taken out a life insurance policy worth $375,000, raising suspicions that he might have planned to use this insurance money to support his life abroad. Additionally, authorities uncovered communication records linking Borgwardt to a woman in Uzbekistan. This connection hints that he may have been developing personal and financial relationships overseas as part of his escape plan.
Financial transactions traced to Borgwardt also revealed efforts to transfer funds to international accounts, indicating that he had actively prepared to support himself abroad. These financial arrangements, coupled with his new life insurance policy, paint a picture of a man who was not only leaving behind his old life but was also financially planning to sustain a new one.
The Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office Ends Search Efforts
On November 8, the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office announced that they had terminated all active search efforts in and around Green Lake, stating that they were now confident Borgwardt was no longer in the area. With the newly discovered evidence, authorities believe Borgwardt left the United States altogether. In a public release, they urged him to come forward and return to his family, who have been left with unanswered questions and heartbreak following his sudden disappearance.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that taxpayer resources had been extensively used in the search for Borgwardt and that they intended to seek restitution for the costs associated with the search. This statement highlights the frustration and sense of betrayal felt by both law enforcement and the community, who had been supporting the search efforts in good faith.
The Investigation Continues: Involvement of State and Federal Agencies
The investigation into Borgwardt’s disappearance is ongoing, with the Green Lake Sheriff’s Office enlisting the help of the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center, and the FBI. These agencies are collaborating to explore all aspects of the case, including identifying any individuals who may have assisted Borgwardt in planning or executing his disappearance. Additionally, international partners are involved, as investigators seek to locate Borgwardt and bring him back to the United States.
One of the primary goals of the investigation is to determine if Borgwardt’s actions constitute criminal behavior. If evidence confirms that he falsified information or misled authorities, he may face legal consequences. Authorities are also examining the legitimacy of the life insurance policy Borgwardt took out before his disappearance, investigating whether it was intended to benefit his family or to fund his life abroad.
Family and Community Impact: Shock, Grief, and Calls for Justice
Borgwardt’s disappearance has deeply affected his family, friends, and the Green Lake community. For months, they lived with the fear that he had tragically drowned or met with some other accident. Now, as more information comes to light, they are grappling with a new reality: that he may have orchestrated his own disappearance, leaving them behind.
Community members have voiced their sense of betrayal and sadness at the revelation, with many questioning why Borgwardt would go to such lengths to disappear. His actions have led to an outpouring of grief from those who once supported him, as well as anger from those who feel they were misled. Borgwardt’s family, in particular, is seeking answers and has expressed hope that he will return and provide an explanation.
The Green Lake community, known for its close-knit atmosphere and sense of unity, has been shaken by the case. Local leaders have expressed their condolences to Borgwardt’s family, while also acknowledging the need for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind his disappearance.
The Larger Implications of Borgwardt’s Disappearance and the Path Forward
Ryan Borgwardt’s disappearance is not just a personal tragedy; it also raises broader questions about mental health, personal agency, and accountability. Cases of staged disappearances, while rare, underscore the need for understanding the psychological factors that drive individuals to take such drastic steps. For law enforcement, the case highlights the importance of digital forensics and international collaboration in uncovering the truth behind complex cases.
Authorities are urging Borgwardt to return voluntarily, emphasizing that coming forward would be in the best interest of both himself and his family. However, they are prepared to continue their investigation and pursue any necessary legal actions if he does not cooperate.
In the meantime, the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office and collaborating agencies are committed to completing their investigation with the utmost thoroughness. They have vowed to exhaust all resources in their efforts to locate Borgwardt, bring him back to the United States, and pursue justice for any crimes that may have been committed.
Conclusion: A Community Left Seeking Closure
As the investigation unfolds, the Green Lake community remains hopeful that answers will come to light. Borgwardt’s actions have left behind a wake of confusion, anger, and grief for those who once knew him, and for a family searching for closure. For many, this case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of personal struggles and the lengths to which some individuals may go to start anew.
In the coming weeks, authorities expect to make further progress in locating Borgwardt and in piecing together the full scope of his actions. Until then, the Green Lake community, along with Borgwardt’s family, will continue to seek answers to the mystery of a man who seemingly vanished from one life in hopes of beginning another.
