American Man Fakes Death While Kayaking to Escape to Europe

Title: American Man Fakes Death to Escape to Europe

Authorities reported that an American man faked his death while kayaking to escape to Europe. In Green Lake, Wisconsin, officials believe that Ryan Borgwardt, who went missing while kayaking in August, created a false story of suicide.

Sheriff’s Deputy Matthew Vande Kolk stated, “We believe he is still alive. We know he is not in our lake.” Borgwardt, 45, a married father of three, was last seen on August 12 during a solo fishing trip.

After he failed to return home, his family alerted authorities. Search teams later found his overturned kayak and life jacket in the lake, along with his car, trailer, fishing gear, and wallet left in a nearby park.

Despite extensive search efforts over 54 days using divers, drones, sonar, and tracking dogs, no body was found, leading the sheriff’s office to expand their investigation. The case gained attention in October when authorities discovered Borgwardt’s name had been checked by border officials in Canada on August 13, one day after he was reported missing.

Investigators uncovered that Borgwardt had reported his passport lost or stolen before he disappeared and obtained a new passport. His wife later found the old passport, suggesting he might have traveled using the new documents.

Digital forensics on Borgwardt’s laptop revealed he took out a $375,000 life insurance policy. He transferred funds to a foreign bank account, photographed his new passport, and changed his email address before going missing.

Authorities also found evidence indicating he may have traveled to a location in Europe. The investigation continues, and the sheriff’s office is evaluating possible criminal charges, including fraud.