A Kayaker's Unusual Journey: From Wisconsin to Uzbekistan

Imagine this: A Wisconsin kayaker, Ryan Borgwardt, fakes his own death using a staged kayaking accident. He's not dead; he's likely in Uzbekistan! The Green Lake County Sheriff's deputies found out he's safe and sound, talking to them from an apartment in Uzbekistan. They've seen him through a video call, wearing an orange t-shirt, assuring everyone he's okay. So, what happened? Ryan dumped his phone in the lake and used a small inflatable boat to get back to shore. He left an electric bike and rode to Madison, then took a bus to Detroit. From there, he crossed into Canada and eventually flew to Uzbekistan. The sheriff's department is trying to talk him into coming back. They think he's there of his own free will and want him to return to his family.

Ryan went missing in August. Investigators found his capsized kayak and vehicle. They searched but didn't find him. Instead, they discovered an online trail showing he's alive and far away. He opened a foreign bank account, changed his email, and was talking to a woman from Uzbekistan. Authorities say he's worried about how the community will react if he comes home. The sheriff thinks the deep lake played a part in Ryan's plan. He wants Ryan to come back, especially for his kids. The holidays are coming, and the sheriff hopes that might convince Ryan to return. No warrants are out yet, and if Ryan cooperates, he might avoid charges. The sheriff pleads with Ryan, calling him to be home for Christmas.

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