Missing Wisconsin Man Ryan Borgwardt Found Alive in Europe After Elaborate Disappearance

Missing Person Case: Ryan Borgwardt Found Safe

Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll confirmed that Ryan Borgwardt, 44, is alive but has not returned home. Borgwardt was reported missing on August 12 after a fishing trip. A seven-week search of Green Lake failed to find him, leading to evidence suggesting he fled to Europe.

On November 11, investigators contacted Borgwardt. He appeared in a video stating, “I am in my apartment. I am safe, secure, no problem.” Borgwardt explained his escape plan. He stashed an electric bike, paddled onto the lake in a kayak and inflatable boat, overturned his kayak, discarded his phone, and returned to shore.