local
Wisconsin DNR buys new equipment with restitution from kayaker who faked his death
By Sabrina Salguero Del Cid at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 15, 2026
· 2 min read
The Wisconsin DNR announced Wednesday that restitution from a kayaker who faked his death paid for brand new equipment for underwater searches.
The agency said it used restitution money for the search for Ryan Borgwadt, who staged a boating fatality on Big Green Lake in August 2024 and later r...
Key takeaway The agency said it used restitution money for the search for Ryan Borgwadt, who staged a boating fatality on Big Green Lake in August 2024 and later returned after authorities found he had fled to Europe.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The Wisconsin DNR's acquisition of new equipment with restitution money has a direct impact on the safety and well-being of communities in the Minneapolis -St. Paul area, particularly those with lakes and waterways. The towfish sonar unit's ability to map the bottom of bodies of water can be crucial in locating missing people or hazards in popular Twin Cities lakes and rivers. As the region's residents and visitors enjoy water activities, the DNR's enhanced search and recovery capabilities can provide peace of mind and swift response in emergency situations. Furthermore, the equipment's potential to protect critical infrastructure and respond to environmental spills is particularly relevant to the Twin Cities, where waterways play a significant role in the regional ecosystem and economy. The successful use of the towfish unit in Wisconsin may also prompt Minnesota authorities to explore similar investments in underwater search technology.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
Get more The Minneapolis stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Wisconsin DNR announced Wednesday that restitution from a kayaker who faked his death paid for brand new equipment for underwater searches.
The agency said it used restitution money for the search for Ryan Borgwadt, who staged a boating fatality on Big Green Lake in August 2024 and later r...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sabrina Salguero Del Cid at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter