A U.S. man who mysteriously vanished while kayaking has confirmed he is alive, revealing a carefully orchestrated escape plan. Ryan Borgwardt, 45, disappeared on August 12 during a solo fishing trip in Wisconsin. Initially thought to have drowned, his case shifted when investigators uncovered evidence suggesting he had fled to Eastern Europe.
In a recent video sent to the Green Lake County Sheriff's Office, the kayaker reassured authorities of his wellbeing, stating, “I am safe, secure, no problem.” Sheriff Mark Podell was relieved by the news but expressed concern over Borgwardt's decision to remain away from his family.
The investigation took a turn after police contacted a Russian-speaking woman who helped them reach Borgwardt. Through near-daily communications, he revealed how he staged his disappearance by sinking his kayak and cell phone, then using a child-sized boat to reach shore. From there, he rode an E-bike overnight to Madison, Wisconsin, before taking a bus to Detroit and boarding a flight from Canada.
Sheriff Podell noted that Borgwardt acted alone, leaving his wife and three children behind without any contact. In the lead-up to his disappearance, he took out a substantial life insurance policy, transferred funds to a foreign bank, and changed his email credentials, heightening suspicions of his intentions.
As of now, no criminal charges have been filed against Borgwardt, though law enforcement is seeking reimbursement for the search costs, which amount to $40,000. In an emotional address, Sheriff Podell lamented the impact on Borgwardt’s family, especially with Christmas approaching, emphasizing the importance of family during the holiday season.
