Wisconsin Man Jailed After Faking His Own Death to Begin New Life Abroad
He was heading to the country of Georgia, where he planned to settle with his new partner.
Ryan Borgwardt, 45, didn’t just skip town, he staged his own death in the middle of Wisconsin lake country, then tried to start over somewhere else entirely. It’s the kind of plan that sounds like a movie scene until it turns into a frantic search, a grieving family, and a courtroom confession.
Last August, he went kayaking on Green Lake, about 100 miles northwest of Milwaukee, and then vanished in a way that triggered a full-on investigation. By the time he resurfaced in Georgia, he was supposedly reconnecting with a woman he’d met online, after spending time figuring out how to disappear “without leaving a trace,” including how deep a body would need to sink.
And when the authorities finally caught up, the “new life abroad” fantasy collided headfirst with divorce papers, charges, and the details he admitted under pressure.
In August of last year, Ryan Borgwardt, 45, took a kayak out on Green Lake, located about 100 miles northwest of Milwaukee.
UnsplashLife on the Run
Once in Georgia, Borgwardt reunited with the woman he had met online. He later admitted to spending time researching how to disappear without leaving a trace, including how deep a body would need to sink to remain undiscovered.
By November, authorities had tracked him down. Borgwardt eventually turned himself in to U.S. officials in December and was brought back to Wisconsin.
The whole thing kicked off on Green Lake when Borgwardt went out kayaking, and then the search machinery started moving long before he ever made it to Georgia.
The case of Ryan Borgwardt, who faked his own death to escape his responsibilities and start anew, highlights a profound sense of desperation and identity crisis. His drastic actions suggest an overwhelming need to sever ties with his past life and create an entirely different existence. This behavior is not merely a whimsical escape; it points to deeper psychological struggles that many individuals face when feeling disconnected from their true selves. The notion that one might resort to such extreme measures underscores the complexities of identity formation and personal fulfillment. Borgwardt's actions raise important questions about how unresolved identity issues can manifest in radical decisions, as demonstrated by the significant consequences of his choice to abandon his family and responsibilities in pursuit of a new life.
Borgwardt flew to Georgia in Europe to meet his mystery woman
UnsplashOnce he was in Georgia, Borgwardt reunited with the mystery woman from his online life, but the disappearing research he did made it feel less like romance and more like a script.
Divorce, Charges, and Courtroom Confession
In addition to facing criminal charges, Borgwardt was also served divorce papers by his wife of 22 years. Prosecutors charged him with obstructing an officer, a misdemeanor, for misleading law enforcement and wasting valuable resources during the extensive search for his supposed remains.
At his sentencing hearing on August 26, Green Lake County District Attorney Gerise LaSpisa condemned Borgwardt’s actions.
“His entire plan to fake his death to devastate his family in order to serve his own selfish desires hinged on him dying in the lake and selling his death to the world,” LaSpisa said. “The defendant did not count on the determination and dedication of our law enforcement.”
Judge Mark Slate sentenced Borgwardt to 89 days in prison, exactly the length of time he misled investigators. The sentence was twice as long as recommended, with the judge noting it should serve as a deterrent for anyone considering such a scheme. Borgwardt was also ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution to cover the costs of the search.
This is a lot like the AITA poster who backed out of buying a colleague’s car last minute.
Borgwardt will now serve 89 days in prison
Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office
By November, authorities tracked him down, and in December he turned himself in, right as his wife of 22 years was also getting served divorce papers.
The case of Ryan Borgwardt, who faked his own death to escape his life in Wisconsin, presents a striking example of escapism in action. His drastic measures reflect a profound desire to break free from the pressures and responsibilities that weighed heavily on him as a father of three. By staging his disappearance on Green Lake, Borgwardt sought not just a change of scenery but a complete reinvention of his identity, a theme often seen in individuals who feel trapped by their circumstances. The allure of a fresh start, especially when accompanied by the promise of a new romantic relationship abroad, can drive people to make extreme choices. This incident highlights the lengths to which some will go to seek relief from their dissatisfaction and the psychological complexities that underlie such decisions.
Borgwardt’s Regret
In court, Borgwardt pleaded no contest to the charges and expressed remorse.
“I deeply regret the actions I took that night and all the pain I caused my family and friends,” he told the court.
He will now serve his sentence in Green Lake County Jail before beginning life once again, this time under the shadow of his failed escape and fractured family ties.
At sentencing on August 26, the district attorney didn’t mince words about how his plan to “fake his death” was meant to devastate his family for his own selfish desires.
The case of Ryan Borgwardt underscores the complex motivations that drive individuals to seek geographical escape. His decision to fake his own death and flee overseas with another woman reveals a profound desire to sever ties with his past life. Such actions illustrate a psychological phenomenon where people believe that starting anew in a different environment can help them cope with emotional turmoil. This behavior is not uncommon; many individuals look for fresh beginnings when faced with overwhelming distress. Borgwardt's drastic measures highlight not just personal desperation but also a broader commentary on the lengths to which some will go to avoid confronting their realities.
In analyzing the actions of Ryan Borgwardt, one can see that his decision to fake his own death and flee to start anew in another country reflects a deep desire for escape from his current reality. This case raises significant questions about the psychological factors at play, including potential identity crises and the longing for a fresh start. The complexities surrounding his situation underscore the critical need for mental health awareness and the importance of addressing underlying issues before they manifest in such drastic actions. Borgwardt's choices serve as a reminder of how unaddressed personal struggles can lead individuals to make life-altering decisions that not only affect them but also their loved ones.
He tried to erase his old identity, but the lake, the Georgia detour, and the courtroom made sure it followed him home.
Want more chaos at a family event? See the AITA debate over inviting an abusive stepbrother to the wedding.
