Wisconsin father Ryan Borgwardt who faked own death on kayaking trip to be with his online Eastern European fling learns fate in court

A Wisconsin man who staged his own death on a kayaking trip to run off with his online lover in Europe has been sentenced to 89 days in county jail. Ryan Borgwardt, 45, pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of obstructing an officer in Green Lake County court.

The judge based his sentencing on the length of time Borgwardt allowed his deception to continue. Borgwardt expressed deep regret for the pain he caused his family and friends before the sentencing. He was also ordered to pay $30,000 to the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for wasting resources on his fake death investigation.

District Attorney Gerise LaSpisa criticized Borgwardt for his premeditated and selfish actions, causing incredible damage to his family and community. Borgwardt was reported missing in August 2024 after a kayaking trip at Green Lake. An overturned kayak and lifejacket were found, leading authorities to believe he had drowned.

After an eight-week search costing at least $50,000, investigators discovered Borgwardt had been chatting with a woman from Uzbekistan online and faked his death to be with her. He had even taken steps like reversing his vasectomy, applying for a passport, and purchasing a life insurance policy before disappearing.

Borgwardt staged his death, rode an electric bike to Madison, then traveled to Europe via Canada. He eventually ended up in Georgia with his online fling. Investigators tracked him down in November and convinced him to return to the US in December, where he was charged with obstructing the search for his body.

Borgwardt’s wife divorced him after he returned, citing irretrievable brokenness in their marriage. His attorney stated that Borgwardt deeply regrets his actions and returned to the US to make amends. He also paid $30,000 in restitution.

In conclusion, Borgwardt’s elaborate plan to fake his own death for personal reasons backfired, leading to legal consequences and the dissolution of his marriage. His actions serve as a cautionary tale of the consequences of deceit and betrayal.