November Patreon Video: Ryan Borgwardt
Ryan Borgwardt, a 45-year-old Wisconsin man, gained national attention after faking his own death in August 2024. He staged a kayaking accident on Green Lake by overturning his kayak and leaving behind his phone, ID, and gear, prompting a massive weeks-long search effort that involved law enforcement, volunteers, and cadaver dogs. Investigators later discovered he had planned the disappearance in advance, securing a new passport, moving money, and arranging to meet a woman overseas. After paddling to shore and escaping on a stashed electric bike, he traveled through Canada and ultimately reached the country of Georgia. In November 2024, he sent a “proof-of-life” video to authorities and voluntarily returned to the U.S. the following month. Borgwardt ultimately pleaded no contest to obstructing an officer and was sentenced to 89 days in jail—matching the number of days he was missing—along with $30,000 in restitution. His disappearance and deception deeply affected his family, and his wife has since sought a divorce and full custody of their 3 children.
Sources for this episode:
https://www.today.com/parents/wisconsin-dad-ryan-borgwardt-kayaking-accident-europe-rcna179685
https://medium.com/true-crime-unveiled/the-deadbeat-dad-who-died-twice-085eb83e0ba8
https://www.wpr.org/news/man-faked-own-death-green-lake-sentenced-89-days-jail
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c93dvqe20vpo
https://abcnews.go.com/US/lie-wisconsin-kayaker-faked-drowning-fled-country-told/story?id=125419190
https://allthatsinteresting.com/ryan-borgwardt
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2025/12/wisconsin-kayaker-ryan-borgwardt-death/684631/
