What to know about Ryan Borgwardt, Green Lake kayaker who staged death

On By Littum

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Authorities now believe a Watertown man who was reported missing while kayaking is alive and likely staged his own disappearance before fleeing the country.

The Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office reported Nov. 8 that 44-year-old Ryan Borgwardt staged his disappearance before likely fleeing the country for Europe, according to a release.

Here’s what we know about Ryan Borgwardt and how he might have staged his own disappearance in Wisconsin.

When did Ryan Borgwardt disappear in Wisconsin?

According to a press release from the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Borgwardt was first reported missing on Aug. 12 and was last known to be on Green Lake in his kayak.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Bruce’s Legacy assisted in the search. Efforts to search the area continued through August with no sign of Borgwardt.

What do authorities think happened to Ryan Borgwardt?

The authorities learned that Borgwardt had reported his passport lost or stolen and had been issued another passport in May 2024.

Digital forensic analysis of a laptop showed a digital trail of Borgwardt planning his disappearance to Europe and his attempts to conceal his efforts.

Authorities found a replacement hard drive on the laptop and that he cleared the browsers on the day of the disappearance.

In addition, authorities also discovered inquiries about moving money to foreign banks, communications with a woman from Uzbekistan, and a new $375,000 life insurance policy.

“Due to the discovery of this new evidence, we are confident that Ryan is not located in Green Lake and we have terminated all search efforts related to Green Lake,” authorities said in a Nov. 8 news release.

What are the next steps in the investigation?

The Green Lake Sheriff’s Office is working with the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigations, the Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center and the FBI to continue the investigation.

According to the press release, the investigation will continue, including:

  • Identify any and all crimes committed, all individuals who assisted in those crimes, and fully and thoroughly investigate all aspects of this case with the assistance of our state, federal and international partners
  • Pursue reimbursement for the costs of the search, which have been funded by taxpayers.
  • Alert Borgwardt that his plan is about to be revealed and that the best thing he can do is return home to his family and children.

Where is Green Lake, Wisconsin?

Green Lake, a natural inland lake, is located about 100 miles northwest of Milwaukee.

To assist with the investigation:

Those who either knowingly or unknowingly helped Borgwardt are encouraged to come forward by contacting the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 920-294-4134 ext 1162. If people have information regarding the case, they can remain anonymous and provide information through Green Lake County Crime Propper. Text “GETTHEM” to 847411. Tips provided that lead to arrests or convictions are eligible for a reward. Those who cannot text can call 1-800-GET THEM.

Oshkosh Northwestern reporter Justin Marville contributed to this report.