Father fakes disappearance during kayaking trip, flees to Europe

Father fakes disappearance during kayaking trip, flees to Europe
In a shocking turn of events, a Wisconsin father of three, Ryan Borgwardt, has been revealed to have faked his own disappearance during a kayaking trip in August. Initially reported missing on August 12, Borgwardt’s family feared the worst, believing he had drowned in Green Lake. However, local authorities have since uncovered a complex scheme that led him to abandon his family and flee the country.

The search that captivated a community

The disappearance of Borgwardt sparked an extensive eight-week search that engaged the local community, with volunteers dedicating countless hours to find the missing father. An overturned kayak and a lifejacket, believed to belong to him, were recovered, and his vehicle was located near Dodge Memorial Park. As dive teams scoured the waters, Borgwardt was already on his way to Europe, unbeknownst to those desperately searching for him.

Unraveling the elaborate plan

Authorities began to piece together Borgwardt’s elaborate escape plan when they shifted their investigative approach in early October. By examining computer files and leveraging international partnerships, they discovered that Borgwardt had been in contact with law enforcement in Canada just a day after his reported disappearance. His digital footprint revealed a trail of suspicious activities, including communication with a woman from Uzbekistan and the opening of a new bank account.

Despite his attempts to erase his digital presence by wiping his computer, investigators found substantial evidence of his premeditated escape. Notably, Borgwardt had acquired a new passport months before his disappearance, leaving his original one at home. This meticulous planning raises questions about how long he had intended to leave his family behind.

The emotional plea from authorities

As the search efforts in Wisconsin concluded, authorities expressed their concern for Borgwardt’s family, particularly his children who are left grappling with their father’s actions. Sheriff Mark Podoll made an emotional plea during a press conference, urging Borgwardt to return home. “Ryan, if you are viewing this, I plead that you contact us or contact your family. We understand that things can happen, but there’s a family that wants their daddy back,” he stated, highlighting the profound impact of Borgwardt’s choices on his loved ones.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the lengths some may go to escape their realities. As the investigation continues, the community remains in shock, grappling with the betrayal of a father who chose to abandon his family for an uncertain future abroad.