Ryan Borgwardt Faked Death
Ryan Borgwardt, convicted of obstruction for faking his death on Green Lake, failed to appear for a court hearing concerning an evidence motion on February 3, 2026. As of that date, Borgwardt, who was released from jail on December 9, 2025, after serving an 89-day sentence, is again unaccounted for. Borgwardt faked his drowning in August 2024, fled to Eastern Europe, and later explained to police that his elaborate plan was due to feeling like a failure. His wife, Emily Borgwardt, filed for legal separation on December 13, 2024, citing an 'irretrievably broken' marriage.
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February 2026 — 1 developments
Ryan Borgwardt, who was convicted of obstruction for faking his death on Green Lake, failed to appear for a court hearing concerning an evidence motion.
Ryan Borgwardt, who was convicted of obstruction for faking his death on Green Lake, failed to appear for a court hearing concerning an evidence motion. This hearing was scheduled after his conviction and sentence.
December 2025 — 1 developments
Ryan Borgwardt was released from jail on December 9, 2025, after serving his 89-day sentence for obstructing an officer.
Ryan Borgwardt was released from jail on December 9, 2025, after serving his 89-day sentence for obstructing an officer.
September 2025 — 1 developments
Newly released video footage shows Ryan Borgwardt explaining to police that he faked his death and f…
Newly released video footage shows Ryan Borgwardt explaining to police that he faked his death and fled to Europe because he felt like a failure, and his elaborate plan hinged on him dying in the lake.
August 2025 — 1 developments
Ryan Borgwardt appears in court for a plea agreement and sentencing hearing.
Ryan Borgwardt appears in court for a plea agreement and sentencing hearing.
December 2024 — 3 developments
Ryan Borgwardt's wife, Emily Borgwardt, filed for legal separation, citing an 'irretrievably broken' marriage.
Ryan Borgwardt's wife, Emily Borgwardt, filed for legal separation, citing an 'irretrievably broken' marriage. Borgwardt also detailed how he stashed an electric bike as part of his plan to fake his death.
Ryan Borgwardt, who faked his drowning and fled to Eastern Europe, has returned to the U.
Ryan Borgwardt, who faked his drowning and fled to Eastern Europe, has returned to the U.S. and was charged with obstructing the search for his body. A judge entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf, and bond was set at $500 for the misdemeanor obstruction charge. Borgwardt had been living in Georgia before returning to the U.S.
Ryan Borgwardt is formally charged with one misdemeanor count of obstructing an officer.
Ryan Borgwardt is formally charged with one misdemeanor count of obstructing an officer.
November 2024 — 3 developments
Borgwardt sends a 'proof-of-life' video to investigators, confirming he is alive and residing in Eastern Europe.
Borgwardt sends a 'proof-of-life' video to investigators, confirming he is alive and residing in Eastern Europe.
Ryan Borgwardt, a Wisconsin man, has been sentenced to 89 days in jail for obstructing an investigation after faking his drowning on Green Lake in August 2024 and fleeing to Europe.
Ryan Borgwardt, a Wisconsin man, has been sentenced to 89 days in jail for obstructing an investigation after faking his drowning on Green Lake in August 2024 and fleeing to Europe. Investigators uncovered evidence including a second passport, suspicious online activity, fund transfers, and communication with a woman from Uzbekistan. Borgwardt detailed his elaborate plan to police upon his return to the U.S., which involved using an e-bike and public transport to reach Georgia.
The Green Lake County Sheriff's Office holds a press conference, announcing their belief that Borgwa…
The Green Lake County Sheriff's Office holds a press conference, announcing their belief that Borgwardt faked his death and fled the country, revealing evidence of his elaborate plan.
October 2024 — 1 developments
Authorities conduct an extensive search for Borgwardt for over 50 days, utilizing specialized sonar equipment, dive teams, and cadaver dogs, but fail to find a body.
Authorities conduct an extensive search for Borgwardt for over 50 days, utilizing specialized sonar equipment, dive teams, and cadaver dogs, but fail to find a body.
August 2024 — 3 developments
Canadian border patrol officers look up Borgwardt's name, indicating his immediate flight from the U.
Canadian border patrol officers look up Borgwardt's name, indicating his immediate flight from the U.S.
Borgwardt's wife reports him missing after he fails to return from a kayaking trip on Green Lake; his capsized kayak and other belongings are found, triggering an extensive search.
Borgwardt's wife reports him missing after he fails to return from a kayaking trip on Green Lake; his capsized kayak and other belongings are found, triggering an extensive search.
Ryan Borgwardt arrives in Green Lake, Wisconsin, and puts the final steps of his plan into motion to fake his death.
Ryan Borgwardt arrives in Green Lake, Wisconsin, and puts the final steps of his plan into motion to fake his death.
May 2024 — 1 developments
Borgwardt reports his passport missing and obtains a new one, a key step in his plan to flee the country.
Borgwardt reports his passport missing and obtains a new one, a key step in his plan to flee the country.
January 2024 — 1 developments
Ryan Borgwardt takes out a $375,000 life insurance policy and begins extensive planning for his disappearance, including moving funds to foreign bank accounts.
Ryan Borgwardt takes out a $375,000 life insurance policy and begins extensive planning for his disappearance, including moving funds to foreign bank accounts.