Wisconsin Kayaker Sentenced 89 Days for Faking Death, Fleeing to Europe

Ryan Borgwardt, a Wisconsin man, was sentenced to 89 days in jail for obstructing an officer after faking his own death in a kayaking accident to escape to the country of Georgia and be with a woman he had been communicating with. His elaborate plan involved overturning his kayak, abandoning personal items, and traveling via an e-bike, bus, and plane to evade a 58-day search by law enforcement. Borgwardt pleaded no contest and agreed to pay $30,000 in restitution for the costs incurred during the manhunt. The judge based the jail time on the length of time Borgwardt successfully misled authorities, nearly doubling the prosecutors' recommended 45-day sentence. District Attorney Gerise LaSpisa condemned his actions as premeditated and selfish, highlighting the damage caused to his family and community. Borgwardt expressed regret for his actions and the pain caused to his family and friends during the court hearing.