Ryan Borgwardt

Ryan Borgwardt, a 45-year-old father from Wisconsin, made headlines after faking his own death during a fishing trip in August 2024 to escape his family and start anew in Europe. His elaborate plan involved leaving behind personal belongings and deceiving authorities for 89 days before being located in Georgia, where he was attempting to meet an online acquaintance. After returning to the U.S., he faced legal consequences including an 89-day prison sentence for obstruction and was ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution for search and rescue efforts.