### Wisconsin Man Who Faked Own Death in Green Lake Found Alive Abroad

Ryan Borgwardt, a Wisconsin man and father of three who reportedly faked his own demise at Green Lake, has been found alive and is in contact with local authorities. However, his exact location remains undisclosed, according to Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll.

In a pivotal development on November 11, authorities managed to contact Borgwardt through a Russian-speaking woman. To confirm his identity, the police requested Borgwardt to answer personal questions and produce a video of himself, which he complied. In the video, recorded selfie-style and played during a press conference, Borgwardt stated the date and confirmed his safety. The apartment in the video suggests he is somewhere in Eastern Europe, yet his specific whereabouts are still unknown.

Investigations into Borgwardt's activities revealed he had been planning his disappearance for some time. Prior to vanishing, he enacted several suspicious behaviors, including clearing his browser history, researching foreign bank transfers, obtaining a new passport, and securing a new life insurance policy. On August 11, he last informed his wife via text that he was returning to shore on his kayak. The next day, after his overturned kayak and life jacket were found, it was presumed he had drowned.

Authorities continued their extensive search for weeks, utilizing divers, drones, sonar, and cadaver dogs to no avail. However, the investigation took an unexpected turn in October when it emerged that Borgwardt had crossed into Canada shortly after his supposed disappearance.

Borgwardt later revealed to authorities how he orchestrated his escape: he had hidden an e-bike near the lake's boat launch, overturned his kayak, discarded his phone, and paddled a small inflatable boat to shore. From there, he rode the e-bike to Madison, Wisconsin, caught a bus to Detroit, and traveled to Canada before eventually boarding a plane.

The sheriff expressed that Borgwardt felt remorseful over the extensive efforts and resources expended in the search. Despite the ongoing communication, Borgwardt has not communicated with his wife or children. Sheriff Podoll emphasized the importance of Borgwardt's return, particularly with the holiday season approaching, and mentioned potential legal consequences including an obstruction charge and restitution costs estimated between $35,000 and $40,000.

Sheriff Podoll ended the news conference on an emotional note, urging Borgwardt to come back home and be with his family during Christmas, stressing that his children's well-being is paramount.