The saga of Ryan Borgwardt, the Wisconsin man who disappeared in August while kayaking and was suspected of faking his own death, has taken another twist. The Green Lake County Sheriff's Office confirmed that they have made contact with Borgwardt, stating that he is alive, though his exact whereabouts remain unknown. Sheriff Mark Podoll added that efforts are ongoing to get Borgwardt to return home, according to FOX6.
Authorities launched an extensive search operation after a 45-year-old husband and father went missing following a kayaking excursion on Big Green Lake. His unoccupied kayak, with a life jacket, and his vehicle were found near the lake, leading authorities to suspect a planned disappearance. A press conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT today, where officials are expected to provide further updates on the case, as reported by News Nation Now.
The FBI and other agencies are assisting the local sheriff's office in an investigation into Ryan Borgwardt's disappearance. It was discovered that Borgwardt obtained a second passport, cleared his hard drives, and altered his banking information on the day he went missing, suggesting premeditation. Authorities also found he had been in contact with a woman from Uzbekistan, raising the possibility of international connections. Communication with Borgwardt was later established through a woman who speaks only Russian. Sheriff Podoll stated, "The good news is, we know Ryan is alive. The bad news is, we do not know exactly where he is, and Borgwardt has not yet decided to return home." Authorities are seeking video proof of his identity to clarify the situation, as stated by Upper Michigan’s Source.
