The name Ryan Borgwardt wife has become a focal point in media coverage and public curiosity surrounding one of the most unusual missing-person cases in recent Wisconsin history. What began as a kayaking trip turned into an international incident, a months-long search effort, and ultimately a legal process that dramatically impacted not just Ryan Borgwardt, but also his wife, family, and community. This article provides a comprehensive, detailed look into the life of Emily Borgwardt, her relationship with Ryan, their marriage, and everything that unfolded in the aftermath of Ryan’s disappearance and return.
This narrative is rooted in verifiable reporting and court records. By exploring the background, family dynamics, public response, and legal implications, we aim to present a complete and human-centered perspective on what happened and how it affected the people most closely involved.
Emily Borgwardt Wiki Bio
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Emily Borgwardt |
| Known For | Wife of Ryan Borgwardt, mother of three |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Place of Birth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Private citizen, primarily known for family role |
| Marital Status | Divorcing Ryan Borgwardt (married ~22 years) |
| Spouse | Ryan Borgwardt |
| Children | 3 |
| Notable Events | Husband faked his death in 2024; filed for divorce in 2025 |
| Residence | Watertown, Wisconsin, USA |
| Public Attention | Media coverage due to husband’s disappearance and legal aftermath |
Table of Contents
Who Is Ryan Borgwardt?
Early Life and Background
Ryan Borgwardt was a resident of Watertown, Wisconsin, known locally as a cabinetmaker and family man. A father of three and a long-time resident in the central Wisconsin area, he lived with his family for many years prior to the events that brought national attention to his life.
In August 2024, Ryan’s name shot into headlines when he was reported missing after a kayaking trip on Green Lake — an area first believed to be the site of a tragic accident. Initial assumptions were that he had drowned during a solo outing. Extensive search operations were launched, involving sonar scans, dive teams, and weeks of effort by law enforcement and volunteers alike when his body could not be found.
However, investigations soon uncovered an elaborate deception — rather than drowning, Ryan had staged his disappearance with the intention of leaving his family and starting a new life abroad.
The Faked Disappearance
Over subsequent weeks, investigators pieced together a timeline that showed Ryan had deliberately overturned his kayak and disposed of personal effects in the lake to create the illusion of a fatal accident. He then used an inflatable boat to paddle to shore, retrieved an electric bike he had stashed nearby, and rode through the night to Madison, Wisconsin, where he began the first leg of a multi-stage journey that would take him out of the United States.
This plan was not a spontaneous act but rather a calculated effort. Ryan had allegedly acquired a new passport, reversed a prior vasectomy, taken out substantial life insurance policies, and communicated with a woman he met online — all actions suggesting a long-standing intention to disappear.
Encounter Abroad and Return
After traveling through Toronto and Paris, Ryan reportedly made his way to Georgia (the country in Eastern Europe), where he met with the woman he had been communicating with online and established a temporary life. Meanwhile, back in Wisconsin, authorities and his family remained in the dark about the truth.
Investigators eventually tracked him down using digital evidence from a laptop he left behind. In November 2024, law enforcement made contact with him overseas and urged him to return to the United States to face legal consequences. By December 2024, Ryan had returned voluntarily and was arrested and charged with misdemeanor obstruction for misleading law enforcement during the search for his supposed body. He later received a jail sentence equating to the number of days he was missing — 89 days — and was ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution for the resources expended in the search.
Who Is the Ryan Borgwardt Wife?
Early Life and Marriage to Ryan
The Ryan Borgwardt wife is Emily Borgwardt, a woman who, until the events of 2024, had lived what many would consider a stable family life with her husband and their three children. Details about Emily’s early life, background, or career are not widely reported in media sources; however, it is clear that she and Ryan shared a long-term bond, having been married for approximately 22 years at the time of the events in question.
As a partner and mother, Emily’s life was intimately tied to her family and local community. She was actively involved in her children’s lives and stood by her husband until the shocking turn of events that unfolded in the summer of 2024.
Life Before the Incident
Emily and Ryan’s marriage, like many long-term relationships, experienced its share of challenges over the years. Reports suggest that there were moments of tension and strain, as evidenced by some of the final text exchanges captured the night Ryan disappeared. In these messages, Emily expressed concern and frustration about not knowing her husband’s whereabouts on more than one occasion — a sign of communication issues within the relationship.
Despite any private challenges, the couple maintained a family life centered around their home in Watertown, and Emily was primarily known as a supportive spouse and mother.
The Impact of the Disappearance on Emily
The Night That Changed Everything
The events of August 11, 2024, were the catalyst for a dramatic shift in Emily’s life. After Ryan told her he planned to go kayaking on Green Lake, Emily’s expectations were that of a normal evening. When he failed to return and did not answer her calls or texts, alarm quickly turned to fear. Her messages — desperate inquiries such as “Where are you????” — reflected a reliance on and concern for her husband that would soon be overshadowed by a far more complex reality.
For weeks, Emily endured not knowing whether Ryan was alive or dead while participating in search efforts and comforting their children through uncertainty and fear. The emotional impact on her and the family was profound.
Discovering the Truth
The discovery that Ryan had not drowned — but instead staged his disappearance intentionally — was a devastating revelation for Emily. Beyond the legal implications, the emotional betrayal was immense. Not only had Ryan misled law enforcement and the community, but he had also misled his own family about his intentions and actions.
This revelation emerged gradually through investigative work, including digital forensics and tracing communications that pointed to Ryan’s plans to leave the country and build a new life with someone he met online.
The Decision to File for Divorce
After nearly a year of upheaval, Emily took decisive legal action. In May 2025, she formally filed for divorce from Ryan, citing their marriage as “irretrievably broken.” This filing came after Ryan’s return to the United States and during the period when he was facing legal consequences for his actions. Emily also sought sole custody of their three children.
The divorce effectively marked the end of a 22-year marriage. In court records, Emily characterized the relationship as beyond repair — a reflection not only of legal strategy but also of the personal breach of trust she endured.
Life After the Divorce Filing
Custody and Family Challenges
Emily’s filing for divorce included a request for sole custody of their teenage children. This step indicates her intent to establish independent parental leadership and stability after months of turmoil. Custody cases in matters this emotionally charged can be complex, but Emily’s actions demonstrated her focus on protecting her children’s well-being after a period of uncertainty and upheaval.
Public and Community Response
The story of a missing kayaker — later revealed to be a disappearance by choice — captured widespread public interest. Community members expressed sympathy not just for the initial presumed tragedy, but also for the emotional toll on the Borgwardt family, particularly Emily and the children.
Many locals and viewers of media coverage saw Emily as a figure representing resilience in the face of personal devastation. Her navigation through legal processes and her efforts to rebuild life for her children were often highlighted in coverage that focused less on sensationalism and more on heartfelt human impact.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ryan Borgwardt Wife
Who is the Ryan Borgwardt wife?
Emily Borgwardt is the long-time wife of Ryan Borgwardt and mother of their three children. She was thrust into the public eye following her husband’s disappearance and return.
How long were Emily and Ryan married?
Emily and Ryan were married for approximately 22 years before Emily filed for divorce in 2025.
Did Emily file for divorce?
Yes. After Ryan’s return and legal proceedings, Emily filed for divorce in May 2025, citing irreconcilable differences and seeking sole custody of their children.
Were there children involved?
Yes, Emily and Ryan have three children together. The custody arrangements were part of Emily’s divorce filing.
What happened to Ryan legally?
Ryan pleaded no contest to obstructing law enforcement and received 89 days in jail along with restitution for search costs.
Conclusion
The story behind the Ryan Borgwardt wife is one of deep personal and emotional complexity. At its core is the experience of Emily Borgwardt, a woman navigating the fallout of one of the most unusual missing-person cases in recent years. Her journey — from uncertainty and fear to the discovery of her husband’s actions and ultimately to leading a legal separation — is a compelling human narrative marked by resilience, sorrow, and strength.
While public fascination often centers on sensational aspects of Ryan’s disappearance, it is the quieter, personal aftermath — the experience of Emily and her family — that offers the most poignant insights into the true cost of the events. This article has sought to illuminate that story in full, giving attention to the human and emotional side of a case that captured national attention.
Also read Ryan Crouser Wife: A Complete, In-Depth Look at the Life and Relationship of the Olympic Champion
