Family of ‘missing dad who faked death’ and fled to Europe urge him to come home
The family of a man who is believed to have orchestrated his disappearance and fled to Europe, abandoning his wife and children, has made a heartfelt plea for him to return. Sheriff Mark Podoll, speaking during a press conference, directly addressed Ryan Borgwardt, 45, who was reported missing by his family on August 12 following a kayaking trip to Green Lake in Wisconsin. Podoll emphasised the importance of Borgwardt contacting his family, stating, “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. They thought that their dad was drowned. A day ago, they found out that he wasn’t.” The sheriff also commended Borgwardt’s family for their strength and support throughout the search efforts.
Following Borgwardt’s disappearance, an exhaustive eight-week search was conducted by law enforcement and volunteers, initially prompted by the discovery of an overturned kayak and life jacket, believed to belong to him, near Dodge Memorial Park. Despite the intense search, no trace of Borgwardt was found until new evidence emerged during a press event held by the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators uncovered a fishing rod recognised by Borgwardt’s wife, along with his wallet, keys, and indications that Borgwardt may have orchestrated his disappearance to fake his own death and flee to Europe.
Authorities revealed that Borgwardt had been engaging in online communications with a woman from Uzbekistan, opened a new bank account, obtained a new passport while leaving his original one at home, and cleared his computer of information. Despite his efforts to cover his tracks, investigators managed to trace his elaborate plan back seven months, coinciding with the purchase of a significant life insurance policy. With the cessation of search efforts following these revelations, authorities are now urging Borgwardt to return to his family, who have been left bewildered by his actions.
In summary, the family of Ryan Borgwardt, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances, have appealed for his return after investigators uncovered a plan suggesting he faked his own death and escaped to Europe. The unfolding events have left his loved ones in shock and uncertainty, highlighting the complexities and emotional toll of his disappearance.