US Kayaker Fakes Death Amid Family Turmoil, Sends Video to Prove He's Safe

Fri Mar 27 2026 02:49:40 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Ryan Borgwardt, a 45-year-old man who faked his own death during a fishing trip, has contacted police from Europe, sharing a video confirming his safety while details of his disappearance unravel.

After disappearing during a solo fishing trip, Ryan Borgwardt, 45, contacted authorities from Europe, sending a video declaring his safety. The Wisconsin man initially presumed drowned had orchestrated a getaway, leaving behind a wife and three children, raising concerns and questions about his motives and future.

In a surprising twist in a highly publicized case, Ryan Borgwardt, a 45-year-old US kayaker who faked his own death on August 12 during a solo fishing expedition, has reached out to investigators to confirm he is alive and well. Sharing a brief 24-second video, Borgwardt indicated he was safe, residing in an undisclosed location in Europe.

The Green Lake County Sheriff's Office in Wisconsin initially suspected that Borgwardt had drowned in Green Lake, prompting a massive search spanning 54 days. Authorities later unearthed evidence suggesting he may have pulled off an elaborate escape. Sheriff Mark Podell expressed mixed feelings; while he was relieved that Borgwardt was alive, he lamented that they still had no clue where he was or why he chose not to return to his family.

In the self-recorded video, Borgwardt addresses the camera, saying, "Good evening, it’s Ryan Borgwardt. I am safe, secure, no problem." This revelation came after ongoing correspondence with law enforcement, facilitated by a local woman fluent in Russian who had been instrumental in connecting him with the authorities.

Investigators revealed the details of Borgwardt's escape plan. After sinking his kayak and cell phone to create the illusion of drowning, he used a small child-sized boat to reach the shore where he had concealed an electric bike. From there, he cycled to Madison, Wisconsin, hopped on a bus to Detroit, and eventually boarded a flight out of Canada.

Podell stated that they are still piecing together the timeline and steps of Borgwardt's getaway. Meanwhile, tensions are high as he has cut off all communication with his family, leaving behind a wife and three children. In the days leading up to his disappearance, Borgwardt had taken out a substantial life insurance policy, transferred assets to a foreign account, and even photographed his new passport, indicating premeditated intentions.

Currently, there are no criminal charges filed against Borgwardt, but authorities have highlighted that he owes $40,000 for the search efforts. Sheriff Podell expressed emotional concern for Borgwardt’s children, especially with the holiday season approaching—stressing the importance of family unity during this critical time.