We discuss “dead” kayaker Ryan Borgwardt and his attempt to fake his own death, leaving his wife and three children in Watertown, Wisconsin, to be with his online lover in the former Soviet republic. 

CW | TW: This episode discusses death fraud, a premeditated plan to unalive oneself, and death imagery. Listener discretion is advised.

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Hosts: Harry Chambers + Drew Hudson

Logo Art: Drew Hudson

Theme Song Composer | Podcast Editor: Harry Chambers

Show Concept | Researcher | Lead Writer: Drew Hudson

Sources

News Clip: After Faking His Own Death, Ryan Borgwardt is Back in Court (WFRV)

Article: “The Missing Kayaker: What Happened to Ryan Borgwardt?” by Jamie Thompson (The Atlantic)

Article: “He Faked His Death to Start New Life with Woman He Met Online: Here Were His Last Texts to His Wife” by Nicole Acosta (People.com)

Article: “Panicked texts Reveal Final Conversation Between Wife and Wisconsin Kayaker Who Faked His Death To Be With European Mistress Before He Vanished” by Richard Pollina (NY Post)

Article: “The Wife of a Wisconsin Kayaker Who Faked His Own Death moves To End Their Message” by Todd Richmond (AP)

Article: “Wisconsin Father Who Allegedly Faked Kayak Accident Was in Contact with Woman Overseas: Police” by Liam Quinn (People.com)

Article: “Sheriff Says Runaway Wis. Father Who Faked His Own Death Returned ‘Willingly,’ Did So ‘For His Family, I Guess’” by KC Baker (People.com)

Article: “Wisconsin Kayaker Who Faked His Death and Fled to Asia Says Plan Was A ‘Crazy, Emotional Dream’” by Todd Richmond (AP)

Article: “Man Who Faked Death, Fled US Gets 89 Days in Jail For the 89 Days He Was Missing” by Emily Shapiro (ABCNews)

Article: “Missing Kayaker in Green Lake Believed To Have Faked His Death and Fled the Country” by Joe Schulz (WPR; Wisconsin Public Radio)

Article: “Man Who Faked His Own Death in Green Lake Sentenced to 89 Days in Jail” by Evan Casey (WPR; Wisconsin Public Radio)

Article: “Update: Out On Bond After Fleeing the Country and Faking His Death, Ryan Borgwardt Charged with Misdemeanor” by Dylan Hunter Carter (WTMJ; 620WTMJ)

Arbitration: Washington-Caldwell School District and OPEIU Local No. 9, AFL-CIO-CLC (WERC.WI.gov)

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