Summary
A man from Wisconsin named Ryan Borgwardt tried to fake his death during a fishing trip to escape to Europe and start a new life. He was sentenced to 89 days in prison for obstructing law enforcement, which is the same amount of time authorities spent searching for him. Borgwardt also has to pay $30,000 to cover the search costs.
Key Facts
- Ryan Borgwardt is a 45-year-old father from Wisconsin.
- He faked his death by leaving his phone, ID, and overturned boat during a fishing trip in August 2024.
- Borgwardt fled to Canada and then to Georgia, a country in the former Soviet Union.
- He planned to meet a woman from Uzbekistan whom he met online.
- A judge sentenced him to 89 days in jail and ordered him to pay $30,000 for search costs.
- Borgwardt's actions included taking out a life insurance policy and transferring funds to a foreign bank.
- His plan was revealed in November 2024 when a Russian-speaking woman connected him with authorities.
- Borgwardt returned to the US in December and was charged with obstruction, and his wife filed for divorce.
