Ryan Borgwardt, 45, was reported missing in August after a solo kayaking trip on Green Lake, Wisconsin. Authorities initially believed the experienced kayaker had drowned, prompting a 54-day search involving divers, drones, sonar, and cadaver dogs. His overturned kayak, life jacket, fishing rod, and tackle box were found in the lake, suggesting a tragic accident.
However, investigators later uncovered evidence of an elaborate scheme. In October, it was revealed that Borgwardt had been stopped by Canadian law enforcement on August 13, just a day after his alleged disappearance. Authorities also found he had been communicating with a woman in Uzbekistan, clearing his browser history, researching foreign bank transfers, securing a new passport, and even obtaining a new life insurance policy before his vanishing act.
The case took an unexpected turn when San Diego TikTok creator Baylee Boomhower posted a video filmed in June - two months before Borgwardt's disappearance. The video features a man on a bike along the Pacific Beach boardwalk asking whether he should travel to Uzbekistan to meet a woman, despite being married with adult children. Viewers pointed out the man's striking resemblance to Borgwardt, sparking renewed interest in the case.
"Do I go to Uzbekistan or stay here?" the man asks Boomhower, who is seen holding a sign that reads, Ask Me For Free Advice. He continues, "I want to find a companion who I am content with."
Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll addressed Borgwardt directly, urging him to come forward: "Our most important thing, for us, is to know that you're safe. We can talk through all this and we can work things out." Podoll also praised Borgwardt’s wife, confirming her lack of involvement in the alleged scheme and describing her as "a very, very strong lady."
Volunteer search group Bruce’s Legacy expressed frustration over the staged disappearance. "He wasted a lot of my time, and it cost me a lot of money," said Keith Cormican, the group's leader.
The story has captivated national attention, raising questions about deception, financial motives, and the lengths to which individuals will go to start over. Anyone with information on Borgwardt’s whereabouts is urged to contact authorities immediately.
However, investigators later uncovered evidence of an elaborate scheme. In October, it was revealed that Borgwardt had been stopped by Canadian law enforcement on August 13, just a day after his alleged disappearance. Authorities also found he had been communicating with a woman in Uzbekistan, clearing his browser history, researching foreign bank transfers, securing a new passport, and even obtaining a new life insurance policy before his vanishing act.
The case took an unexpected turn when San Diego TikTok creator Baylee Boomhower posted a video filmed in June - two months before Borgwardt's disappearance. The video features a man on a bike along the Pacific Beach boardwalk asking whether he should travel to Uzbekistan to meet a woman, despite being married with adult children. Viewers pointed out the man's striking resemblance to Borgwardt, sparking renewed interest in the case.
"Do I go to Uzbekistan or stay here?" the man asks Boomhower, who is seen holding a sign that reads, Ask Me For Free Advice. He continues, "I want to find a companion who I am content with."
Authorities, initially skeptical of the connection, are now investigating with assistance from the FBI. Some have already concluded the man in the video is definitely not Borgwardt. Meanwhile, the search for Borgwardt has shifted from Wisconsin’s Green Lake to Europe, where authorities believe he may be hiding. Legal action, including restitution for the costly search efforts, is being considered.
Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll addressed Borgwardt directly, urging him to come forward: "Our most important thing, for us, is to know that you're safe. We can talk through all this and we can work things out." Podoll also praised Borgwardt’s wife, confirming her lack of involvement in the alleged scheme and describing her as "a very, very strong lady."
Volunteer search group Bruce’s Legacy expressed frustration over the staged disappearance. "He wasted a lot of my time, and it cost me a lot of money," said Keith Cormican, the group's leader.
The story has captivated national attention, raising questions about deception, financial motives, and the lengths to which individuals will go to start over. Anyone with information on Borgwardt’s whereabouts is urged to contact authorities immediately.
Originally published on November 15, 2024.
