Ryan Borgwardt, a 45-year-old father of three from Wisconsin, has been sentenced to 89 days in jail for staging his own death to pursue an extramarital affair. He was also ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution for the extensive investigation that followed his disappearance.
In August 2024, Borgwardt was reported missing after going kayaking. Authorities initially believed he had drowned, prompting an eight-week search for his body. However, the investigation took a dramatic turn when it was revealed that Borgwardt had been in contact with a woman from Uzbekistan and had planned to start a new life with her.
Days before his disappearance, Borgwardt canceled a vasectomy, indicating his desire for a family. After faking his death, he traveled approximately 100 kilometers on an electric bicycle to Madison, Wisconsin, then took a bus to Detroit before crossing into Canada. He ultimately flew to Paris to meet his mistress, and the pair later traveled to Georgia.
Borgwardt expressed “deep remorse” for his actions and admitted his guilt in court. The case highlights the lengths some individuals will go to escape their responsibilities, raising questions about the emotional and financial toll on families left behind, as previously reported in similar situations.
