Ryan Borgwardt Faked Death
Ryan Borgwardt was ordered on July 16, 2026, to pay approximately $9,000 in restitution to the Wisconsin DNR for new sonar equipment, following his August 2024 deception where he faked his death on Green Lake and fled to Europe. As of July 16, 2026, Borgwardt has been ordered to pay a total of $39,000 in restitution, including $30,000 for search efforts, and has served an 89-day jail sentence for obstructing an officer. Borgwardt, who was released from jail on December 9, 2025, had detailed to police how his elaborate plan involved using an e-bike and public transport to reach Georgia, and he later sent a 'proof-of-life' video from Eastern Europe.
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July 2026 — 1 developments
Ryan Borgwardt Ordered to Pay $9,000 in Restitution After Faking Death
Ryan Borgwardt has been ordered to pay approximately $9,000 in restitution to the Wisconsin DNR for new sonar equipment. This order follows his August 2024 deception where he faked his death and fled to Europe, for which he was previously sentenced to 89 days in jail and ordered to pay $30,000 for search efforts.
February 2026 — 1 developments
Ryan Borgwardt Fails to Appear for Court Hearing After Obstruction Conviction
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 released from jail after serving 89-day sentence for obstructing 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
Ryan Borgwardt faked his death and fled to Europe due to feeling like a failure
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 plea agreement and sentencing
Ryan Borgwardt appears in court for a plea agreement and sentencing hearing.
December 2024 — 3 developments
Ryan Borgwardt's wife files for separation, reveals his death-faking plot
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, returns to U.S. and faces obstruction charge
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 charged with obstructing an officer
Ryan Borgwardt is formally charged with one misdemeanor count of obstructing an officer.
November 2024 — 3 developments
Borgwardt sends 'proof-of-life' video to investigators, confirming he is alive
Borgwardt sends a 'proof-of-life' video to investigators, confirming he is alive and residing in Eastern Europe.
Wisconsin Man Ryan Borgwardt Sentenced for Faking Drowning, 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.
Green Lake County Sheriff's Office announces belief Borgwardt faked death and fled country
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 fail to find Borgwardt's body after 50-day search with sonar, dive teams, and cadaver dogs
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.S.
Canadian border patrol officers look up Borgwardt's name, indicating his immediate flight from the U.S.
Borgwardt reported missing after kayak found capsized on Green Lake
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, 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 Passport Missing, Obtains New One
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 plans disappearance after taking out $375,000 life insurance policy
Ryan Borgwardt takes out a $375,000 life insurance policy and begins extensive planning for his disappearance, including moving funds to foreign bank accounts.