**US Kayaker's Disappearance: Revealing the Truth Behind a Faked Death**

The case of Ryan Borgwardt unfolds as he sends a video to the police from Europe, revealing details of his elaborate ruse.

In a surprising twist to a case that captivated Wisconsin, Ryan Borgwardt, a 45-year-old man who faked his own death while on a fishing trip, has come forth to claim that he is alive and well. On August 12, Borgwardt disappeared during a solo outing, prompting a lengthy search by the Green Lake County Sheriff's Office, who initially feared he had drowned. However, suspicions shifted when investigators uncovered digital evidence suggesting he had planned an escape to Eastern Europe.

Sheriff Mark Podell expressed relief that Borgwardt is alive, yet lamented the mystery of his whereabouts, noting, “The great news is he's still alive and well; the bad news is that we don’t know where exactly Ryan is.” In a 24-second video message shot in what appears to be an apartment, Borgwardt states, “I am safe, secure, no problem,” a stark contrast to the fears of his family and community.

The police have been in ongoing communication with Borgwardt, attempting to persuade him to return to Wisconsin and address the fallout from his actions. This communication was facilitated through a woman who spoke Russian, although her identity and connection to Borgwardt remain undisclosed. According to law enforcement, Borgwardt has shared insights into how he orchestrated his disappearance, detailing a series of steps that included sinking his kayak and phone, taking a child-sized boat to shore, and cycling to Madison before boarding a bus to Detroit and a flight out of Canada.

While authorities continue to piece together his escape plan, they have discovered troubling financial activities leading up to his disappearance, including taking out a substantial life insurance policy and transferring funds abroad. Although he has not been charged with any crime, he reportedly owes the county an estimated $40,000 for search costs.

The emotional toll of his actions weighs heavily on Sheriff Podell, who emphasized the impact on Borgwardt's three children and wife, particularly with the holiday season approaching. As Podell noted, “Christmas is coming up... what better a gift to give those kids than to be there for Christmas?” The case exemplifies a myriad of complex issues surrounding deception, familial responsibility, and the repercussions of seeking a new life at the expense of others.