In brief
Ryan Borgwardt, a Wisconsin man who staged his own death and relocated to Eastern Europe, has been in contact with authorities, claiming in a recent video that he is safe but remains uncommitted to returning home to his family.
Wisconsin's Ryan Borgwardt, the man who orchestrated an elaborate scheme to fake his death, has surfaced in a video claiming he is "safe" while residing in what appears to be a sparsely furnished apartment in Eastern Europe. After communication with a woman in Uzbekistan, Borgwardt vanished three months ago, leaving behind a wife and three children.In a news conference held by Green Lake County Sheriff Mark A. Podoll, a 24-second clip featuring Borgwardt was shared. In the recording, he speaks softly into the camera, addressing his family back in Wisconsin, indicating that he is well. "Good evening, it’s Ryan Borgwardt,” he states. “Today is Nov. 11. It’s approximately 10 a.m. by you guys. I’m in my apartment. I am safe, secure, no problem. I hope this works.”Authorities have been in almost daily communication with him, although they remain uncertain about his exact location. Sheriff Podoll has urged Borgwardt to return home to his family and take responsibility for the chaos he left behind. “We keep pulling at his heartstrings,” the sheriff said, highlighting ongoing efforts to encourage him to reconnect with those he abandoned. Despite these appeals, Borgwardt has not indicated that he will return home anytime soon, raising concerns among those left waiting for his return.
