Wisconsin dad who faked death and fled to Europe reveals escape plan to police

A Wisconsin man who staged his own death, abandoned his family, and fled to Eastern Europe has been speaking with police about how he carried out the elaborate scheme — but remains noncommittal about returning home.

Ryan Borgwardt, a father of three, disappeared during a kayaking trip in August, leaving his devastated family to believe he had drowned after failing to return home from Green Lake, located about 90 minutes north of Madison.

Last week, Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll revealed at a press conference that the 45-year-old had fled to Eastern Europe. Borgwardt has since shared details with authorities about how and why he faked his death.

During his kayaking trip, Borgwardt intentionally overturned his kayak, threw his phone into the water, and used an inflatable boat to get to shore, according to WYFF in Wisconsin.

He then traveled 70 miles south on an electric bike to Madison, the state capital, where he caught a bus to Detroit, then another to Canada, before finally boarding a plane to Eastern Europe, the sheriff said.

Podoll stated that Borgwardt has been in regular contact with police since November 11 and even sent them a video from his current location.

“I’m safe and secure, no problem,” Borgwardt said in the video. “I hope this works.”

Authorities are still working to confirm Borgwardt’s account but are relieved to know he is safe.

“The great news is we know that he is alive and well,” Podoll said. “The bad news is we don’t know where Ryan exactly is, and he has not yet decided to return home.”

The sheriff also noted that Borgwardt could face charges for obstructing the investigation into his disappearance if he decides to return, though no charges have been filed so far.

Meanwhile, police are appealing to Borgwardt’s emotions in an effort to persuade him to return to his family.

“Christmas is coming,” Podoll said. “And what better gift could your kids get than to be there for Christmas?”

Authorities launched their search for Borgwardt after his family reported him missing on August 12. They eventually discovered his overturned kayak, lifejacket, and car.