During a press briefing on November 8, the sheriff disclosed that the last known sighting of Borgwardt was on the evening of August 12. Following a report of a missing person at 5:32 p.m. local time, deputies located Borgwardt’s car and trailer in the Dodge Memorial Park vicinity. Podoll indicated that the sheriff’s office had identified Borgwardt’s previous whereabouts to be around Green Lake. Deputies proceeded to the area, searched the vicinity of the lake, and discovered Ryan’s vehicle and trailer parked near Dodge Memorial Park. A kayak belonging to Borgwardt was found capsized in the western part of the lake, along with the subsequent discovery of his fishing gear, wallet, keys, and license the following day.
On August 24, three cadaver dogs and a dive team were enlisted to aid in the search. Despite an extensive effort spanning nearly eight weeks, Borgwardt could not be located. Officials speculated on what could have transpired with Ryan Borgwardt during the November 8 press conference, suggesting that evidence pointed towards the possibility of him orchestrating his own disappearance and potentially fleeing the country to Europe.
Further investigations revealed that Borgwardt’s passport was checked on August 13, a day after his disappearance, and that he may have acquired a new passport. Law enforcement in Canada also ran his name, and it was disclosed that Borgwardt had altered his digital footprint by moving funds to an overseas bank, changing his email, and establishing communication with an individual from Uzbekistan. Additionally, Borgwardt had taken out a significant life insurance policy in January and purchased airline tickets. The findings led authorities to believe that Borgwardt was not within their jurisdiction and had staged his vanishing act.
During a subsequent press conference on November 21, Podoll detailed how Borgwardt had executed his plan to stage the kayaking accident. Borgwardt purportedly left an electric bike near the boat launch, capsized his kayak on Green Lake, disposed of his phone in the water, then returned to shore on a small inflatable boat. He retrieved the bike and traveled to Madison, where he caught a bus to Detroit, proceeded to cross into Canada, and eventually boarded a flight. Borgwardt’s intentions became clear in a video released on November 21, where he confirmed his safety and whereabouts.
Despite Borgwardt’s efforts to conceal himself, authorities persisted in their investigation to gather additional information.
In a complex investigation spanning multiple agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, the search for Ryan Borgwardt has come to a dramatic conclusion. Officials were relentless in their efforts to determine Borgwardt’s motives and pinpoint his exact location, urging him to return home and confront any potential legal ramifications he may face.
During a press conference on November 21st, spokesman Podoll emphasized the significance of Borgwardt’s decision to come back and rectify the turmoil he had left in his wake. “We are underscoring the importance of his choice to return home, take responsibility for the situation he has caused,” Podoll stated. He further underscored, “He must come back to his children. Should he opt not to return, it will be of his own volition.” While specifics surrounding Borgwardt’s departure from the country were not discussed at that time, Podoll clarified that Borgwardt had not been forcibly detained.
Following the briefing by the Green Lake County Sheriff’s office, Emily Borgwardt, Ryan’s wife, declined to comment when approached by NBC News, simply stating, “No comment at this time. Thanks.” Subsequently, during a press conference on December 11th, Podoll confirmed Borgwardt’s return to the United States, under his own accord.
The question on many minds now is whether Ryan Borgwardt will face legal consequences for his actions. On the 11th of December, Borgwardt was formally charged with alleged obstruction of an officer. A plea of not guilty was entered by a judge, along with a bond set at $500. The charges against him carry a potential fine of up to $10,000 and a maximum sentence of nine months in jail for allegedly orchestrating his own death hoax and fleeing the country. Mark your calendars for his next court appearance scheduled for January 13, 2025.
Furthermore, in a commitment to accountability, Podoll announced on November 21st that the sheriff’s department would be pursuing restitution for the costs incurred during the search operation. As the investigation unfolded, the truth behind Borgwardt’s actions emerged in a web of intrigue and deceit that captured the attention of the nation.
This compelling saga, from a mysterious disappearance to a daring return, serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences one faces when attempting to evade the law. The unfolding events surrounding Ryan Borgwardt have left a lasting impact on all involved, shedding light on the complexities of legal responsibility and the lengths authorities will go to ensure justice is served.
As the story continues to unravel, the world watches with bated breath to see how this captivating narrative will conclude. Stay tuned for more updates as the saga of Ryan Borgwardt unfolds, revealing the intricate layers of a case that has captivated the nation’s attention.
