Wisconsin Man Sentenced 89 Days for Faking Death, Fleeing Country

Ryan Borgwardt, a Wisconsin man who faked his own drowning on Green Lake in August 2024 and fled the country, was sentenced to 89 days in jail, matching the duration he misled law enforcement. He also was ordered to pay $30,000 to cover investigation costs. Borgwardt's elaborate plan involved overturning his kayak, discarding his phone, and traveling over 80 miles by bike to eventually leave the U.S. for Europe, where he stayed in the country of Georgia before voluntarily returning in December 2024. The judge doubled the recommended 45-day jail term to 89 days to serve as a deterrent to others who might consider faking their deaths. Both prosecutors and Borgwardt's attorney acknowledged his regret and willingness to take responsibility for his actions. Borgwardt's deception caused significant emotional pain to his family and wasted law enforcement resources during a 58-day search for his body.