A Wisconsin man thought to have drowned is alive in Eastern Europe.
Ryan Borgwardt, a husband and father of three who authorities said faked his own death in Green Lake, Wisconsin lake and fled the country, is speaking to police but he will not divulge his location.
The mysterious case began on the night of Aug. 11, when Borgwardt last texted his wife. He told her he was in his kayak on Green Lake and was paddling back to shore.
The 45-year-old was reported missing the next day.
After Borgwardt’s overturned kayak and life jacket were discovered in the lake, responders believed the missing dad drowned, officials said.
Crews scoured the lake for weeks until his name surfaced by law enforcement in Canada.
Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll said they were able to speak with Borgwardt after getting in contact with a woman who speaks Russian.
In nearly daily communications with the man, he revealed to authorities how he faked his death in Wisconsin and fled the country.
Authorities continue to negotiate with Borgwardt to return to his family in the U.S.
The county is seeking around $35,000 to $40,000 for restitution, and could potentially face an obstruction charge, the sheriff said.
Green Lake, Wisconsin is approximately 180 miles northwest of Chicago, near Fond du Lac.
