Missing Wisconsin Kayaker Found Alive in Europe After Allegedly Faking Drowning; Authorities Urge His Return

"Missing Wisconsin Kayaker Found Alive in Europe After Faking Drowning"

Wisconsin kayaker Ryan Borgwardt, accused of faking his drowning, is alive in Eastern Europe, communicating with investigators but not his family.

Emily Johnson22 November 2024Last Update : 1 week ago

Wisconsin kayaker accused of faking his own drowning is alive in Europe, officials say. Investigators are begging him to return home

www.cnn.com

Ryan Borgwardt, a Wisconsin kayaker, was reported missing on August 12, 2023, after a fishing trip. Authorities have confirmed he is alive in Eastern Europe, but his return remains uncertain.

6 Key Takeaways

Ryan Borgwardt faked his own drowning.
He is currently in Eastern Europe.
Investigators have been in daily contact.
Borgwardt planned his escape meticulously.
Authorities seek restitution for search costs.
Family wants him to return home.

Fast Answer: Ryan Borgwardt, a Wisconsin man accused of faking his drowning, is alive in Eastern Europe. Investigators have communicated with him but are unsure if he will return home to his family. He reportedly executed a plan to disappear, leading to a costly search effort that has left authorities seeking restitution.

Wisconsin Kayaker Ryan Borgwardt Confirmed Alive After Faking Drowning Incident

Authorities confirmed that Ryan Borgwardt, who was reported missing in August, is alive and has been communicating with investigators. Key details include:

Borgwardt was reported missing after a fishing trip on August 12.
A seven-week search yielded no signs of him until investigators traced his movements to Europe.
He executed a plan involving a kayak and an inflatable boat to fake his drowning.
Authorities are preparing to charge him with obstruction of justice.

Alert! The case of Ryan Borgwardt highlights issues of public safety and resource allocation, which are relevant to Canadian audiences concerned about similar incidents.

Details of Ryan Borgwardt’s Disappearance and Subsequent Discovery

Following his disappearance, investigators uncovered a series of actions taken by Borgwardt that suggest a premeditated escape plan. These include:

Stashing an electric bike near the lake before paddling out.
Overturning his kayak and discarding his phone in the lake.
Traveling approximately 80 miles by bike to Madison before boarding a bus to Detroit.
Crossing into Canada and then flying to Europe.

Investigation and Communication with Borgwardt

Investigators made contact with Borgwardt on November 11, 2023. Key points regarding their communications include:

Borgwardt has not spoken to his family since his disappearance.
He has expressed regret about the impact of his actions on his family.
Authorities are urging him to return home, especially with the holiday season approaching.

Legal Implications and Community Impact

The search for Borgwardt was extensive and costly, prompting legal actions against him. Notable aspects include:

Authorities are preparing to charge him with obstruction of justice.
The county seeks up to $40,000 in restitution for search costs.
Community members and search crews expressed emotional strain due to the situation.

This case continues to evolve as investigators seek accountability for the resources expended during the search and the emotional toll on the community.