In brief
Ryan Borgwardt, a Wisconsin man who faked his own death three months ago, has assured authorities of his safety in a video from Eastern Europe. Despite consistent communication with law enforcement, he has not agreed to return home to his family.
Ryan Borgwardt, a man from Watertown, Wisconsin, who staged his own death earlier this year, has created a stir after sending a video to authorities in which he claims to be "safe" and "secure." In the clip, recorded on November 11, Borgwardt appears in a modest apartment, assuring viewers that he is unharmed, even though he remains in Eastern Europe and has seemingly severed ties with his family.During a news conference on November 21, Sheriff Mark A. Podoll of Green Lake County played the 24-second video, where Borgwardt introduces himself quietly. Authorities have confirmed that they have been keeping in close communication with him, as he has been willing to provide updates on his condition. While Borgwardt has not specified his exact location, it is believed he is somewhere in Eastern Europe.Sheriff Podoll emphasized the emotional impact on Borgwardt's family, including his wife and three children, urging him to return home and address the consequences of his actions. “We keep pulling at his heartstrings,” Podoll remarked, adding their determination to encourage Borgwardt to come back to his family, despite his current refusal.As he remains elusive and uncommitted to reuniting with his loved ones, the authorities continue their efforts to locate and assist the man in returning home.
