Authorities have discovered that a Wisconsin dad, initially believed to have drowned in a kayaking accident, instead faked his death and fled to Europe, abandoning his family to start a new life, according to a report.
On August 12, Ryan Borgwardt's family reported him missing after he failed to return from a kayaking trip at Green Lake, Wisconsin.
Law enforcement, along with local volunteers, launched an intensive search, discovering his overturned kayak, life jacket, and other personal items that led them to believe he had drowned, Upper Michigans Source reported.
As search efforts continued, authorities found a clue in early October, revealing Borgwardt's name had been flagged by Canadian law enforcement the day after he went missing.
An in-depth investigation into his digital footprint brought to light that Borgwardt had meticulously planned his disappearance, securing a new passport. He had also moved funds to foreign banks and was in communication with a woman overseas.
Upon discovering Borgwardt's deception, authorities called off the search efforts in Green Lake. The local sheriff publicly urged Borgwardt to reach out to his family, emphasizing the emotional toll his wife and three kids have taken on after believing he was dead.
As of now, Borgwardt has not been located, nor has he made contact with officials or family members.
Originally published by Latin Times
