In a remarkable twist, authorities have released new findings in the case of Ryan Borgwardt, a 45-year-old kayaker from Green Lake County, Wisconsin, who was initially reported missing after a presumed accident on Green Lake in August. Borgwardt’s disappearance has now taken on an international dimension, with law enforcement agencies suspecting that he may have faked his death to escape the country. His suspected destination? Eastern Europe, where authorities believe he has resettled after meeting a woman from Uzbekistan online. According to Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll, fresh evidence indicates that Borgwardt went to extensive lengths to cover his tracks, including replacing his laptop hard drive, erasing his online browsing history, securing a new passport, and taking out a substantial life insurance policy earlier this year.
In a press conference held on Friday, Sheriff Podoll detailed the developments, disclosing key pieces of evidence that surfaced in October and the timeline of events leading to the renewed investigation. Sheriff Podoll explained that although the initial reports painted Borgwardt as a possible drowning victim, new information from digital and international sources points to an elaborate ruse aimed at avoiding his life in the U.S. The new findings raise serious legal questions and have left the Green Lake County community, along with Borgwardt’s family and friends, in shock. Authorities, who invested extensive resources in an initial 54-day search, now face the challenge of a complex international investigation, with potential accomplices and unexplored motives in the case.
Early Stages of the Investigation: A Mysterious Disappearance
On August 11, 2024, Borgwardt was reported missing after failing to return home following a late-night kayaking trip on Green Lake. His disappearance prompted a large-scale search operation, spanning several days and involving multiple agencies, including the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the nonprofit search organization Bruce’s Legacy. The early searches involved sonar scans, drone sweeps, and even cadaver dog teams scouring the lake’s depths for any signs of Borgwardt. By August 13, searchers had found a fishing rod and tackle box believed to belong to Borgwardt, but no additional evidence surfaced, leading the Sheriff’s Office to conclude he may have capsized and drowned.
The search continued for nearly two months, with extensive resources mobilized in hopes of finding either Borgwardt or his remains. “We initially assumed it was a tragic accident. He was last seen at night without a life jacket, so our primary hypothesis was that he might have capsized in the dark and was unable to survive,” Sheriff Podoll explained during the press conference. Yet despite the exhaustive search efforts, Borgwardt’s body was never found. It wasn’t until October that new evidence would point authorities toward a drastically different narrative.
New Evidence and a Shocking Theory
The investigation took an unexpected turn in early October when Green Lake County authorities received new information from the Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center. According to Sheriff Podoll, on August 13, Canadian law enforcement ran a check on Borgwardt’s name, hinting that he might have crossed into Canada before vanishing entirely. Authorities then discovered that Borgwardt had reported his passport lost or stolen in May, only to quickly secure a replacement passport on May 22, mere months before his disappearance.
Investigators also unearthed several red flags in Borgwardt’s digital footprint. Upon examining his electronic devices, they found that Borgwardt had replaced the hard drive on his laptop shortly before going missing and had erased all internet browser data. Furthermore, Borgwardt synced his laptop with iCloud on August 11, the same day he was last seen, which investigators suspect may have been an attempt to back up files he intended to use in his new life abroad.
Additional electronic records obtained by law enforcement revealed Borgwardt had been corresponding with a woman from Uzbekistan and appeared to be researching ways to transfer funds to foreign banks. His financial accounts showed alterations on the day of his disappearance, including changes to email addresses associated with these accounts, suggesting an attempt to make his finances more challenging to track. Sheriff Podoll stated, “These actions paint a picture of a man who was carefully planning an exit, aiming to start fresh in another country.”
Suspicious Financial Decisions and a Life Insurance Policy
Compounding these discoveries, investigators learned that Borgwardt had taken out a $375,000 life insurance policy in January 2024. This policy, issued just months before his disappearance, has raised questions regarding his intent and whether he sought to benefit financially from faking his own death. The insurance policy, coupled with his extensive preparations, points to a deliberate attempt to stage his vanishing act and relocate to Eastern Europe, possibly with the intent of cashing out on the policy if his family did not challenge his presumed death.
Investigators have also uncovered records of a purchased airline gift card, which may have been used for international travel. Sheriff Podoll said, “These purchases suggest premeditation, indicating that Borgwardt not only intended to leave but wanted to make his departure difficult to trace. He may have used gift cards or other means to avoid linking his travels directly to himself.”
Digital Communication and a New Life in Eastern Europe
One of the most surprising discoveries in the investigation was Borgwardt’s online communication with a woman from Uzbekistan. Records show that the two had been corresponding regularly in the months leading up to his disappearance, and investigators believe she may have played a role in his decision to relocate. While the nature of their relationship remains unclear, authorities are looking into whether this connection was purely personal or if Borgwardt’s contact had possible involvement in aiding his escape.
Sources indicate that Borgwardt may have traveled to Eastern Europe to be closer to this woman and begin a new life. Given the meticulous planning evident from his actions, Sheriff Podoll expressed concerns that Borgwardt might have anticipated authorities catching on to his plans, explaining why he took such careful steps to erase his tracks. “It appears he put considerable effort into covering his digital and physical traces, which has made our job more challenging,” Podoll said.
Green Lake County’s Next Steps and Warnings to Possible Accomplices
With the latest revelations, the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office is focusing its efforts on identifying any crimes committed by Borgwardt and uncovering individuals who may have assisted him, whether knowingly or unknowingly. Sheriff Podoll emphasized the need for full cooperation from anyone with knowledge of Borgwardt’s plans or his current whereabouts. He issued a stern warning, stating, “Anyone who intentionally or accidentally assisted him in evading authorities should come forward. This is a complex case that could have serious consequences for those involved.”
Officials have stated they are working closely with state, federal, and international partners to determine Borgwardt’s current location and bring him back to the U.S. for questioning. In addition to pursuing criminal charges, Green Lake County plans to seek restitution for the extensive search and investigative costs incurred by local taxpayers during the 54-day search effort.
A Call to the Public for Information and a Message to Borgwardt
In a final plea, the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office is urging members of the public who may have seen or interacted with Borgwardt after his reported disappearance to come forward with any information that could assist in the investigation. An anonymous tip line has been set up, and anyone with details that may lead to Borgwardt’s location or uncover potential accomplices is encouraged to reach out. Rewards are available for tips leading to arrests or convictions.
Sheriff Podoll also addressed Borgwardt directly, stating, “Your plan has been exposed, Ryan. We urge you to return and face the consequences. This is a devastating situation for your family and the Green Lake community. The best course of action now is to come home and confront the choices you have made.”
Conclusion: A Community Shocked and Seeking Answers
The Green Lake community remains stunned as the full details of Borgwardt’s disappearance continue to emerge. What once appeared to be a tragic accident has unfolded into an elaborate scheme that has shaken his loved ones and neighbors. Many are grappling with the reality that a man they knew and trusted may have faked his own death, potentially abandoning his family and responsibilities for a new life overseas. As authorities press forward with their investigation, the case of Ryan Borgwardt stands as a powerful reminder of the lengths some individuals may go to escape their lives—and the resilience of law enforcement in seeking justice for those affected.
