"The Curious Case of the Faked Death: US Kayaker's Bold Escape Revealed"

"Ryan Borgwardt, who allegedly faked his own death while on a fishing trip, has sent a video to police affirming his safety. Investigators discovered he had planned his escape meticulously, leaving behind his family and a substantial life insurance policy. While law enforcement continues to piece together his journey, they express concern for his family's well-being."

In a bizarre turn of events, Ryan Borgwardt, a Wisconsin man who faked his own death during a kayaking trip, has contacted law enforcement to inform them he is alive and safe. According to the Green Lake County Sheriff's Office, Borgwardt disappeared on August 12 while on a solo fishing expedition, prompting an extensive 54-day search under the assumption that he had drowned.

Upon uncovering digital evidence suggesting that Borgwardt might have fled to Eastern Europe, authorities were able to get in touch with him. "The great news is he's still alive and well," stated Sheriff Mark Podell. "The bad news is that we don’t know where exactly Ryan is, and he has not decided to return home."

Borgwardt sent investigators a 24-second selfie-style video filmed in what appears to be an apartment. In the clip, he says, "Good evening, it’s Ryan Borgwardt. Today is 11 November... I am safe, secure, no problem." Authorities were able to facilitate communication with him after contacting a local woman who speaks Russian, although her identity and connection to Borgwardt remain undisclosed.

Details revealed by law enforcement illustrate that Borgwardt's escape was meticulously orchestrated. After intentionally sinking his kayak and cell phone, he managed to paddle to shore in a child-sized boat where he had hidden an E-bike. He cycled to Madison, Wisconsin, then took a bus to Detroit before boarding a flight in Canada to an undisclosed location.

Sheriff Podell commented on the complexity of the case, indicating that Borgwardt has not been in contact with his family since his departure and that he left behind three children and his wife. Notably, it was discovered that prior to his escape, he secured a $375,000 life insurance policy, deposited funds into a foreign bank account, and altered his email details.

No criminal charges are currently pending against Borgwardt. However, the sheriff stated that he owes $40,000 for the cost of the search efforts. Toward the end of the news conference, Podell expressed profound emotion, highlighting the impact of Borgwardt’s actions on his children during the holiday season, saying, "Christmas is coming up, and what better a gift to give those kids than to be there for Christmas."