Wisconsin Man Charged After Faking Death

Ryan Borgwardt, a 45-year-old Wisconsin man, has returned to the U.S. after faking his own death while kayaking in August, leaving his wife and three children behind. After an extensive search costing over $35,000, authorities concluded he staged his drowning to escape personal issues and fled to Eastern Europe. He turned himself in to police and is now facing misdemeanor obstruction charges. Borgwardt reportedly planned his disappearance meticulously, including researching how to fake a drowning and taking out a life insurance policy. He was released on a $500 bond and has expressed intentions to represent himself in court. The local sheriff noted that Borgwardt's return was influenced by family ties and emotional appeals from law enforcement.