A sheriff says a Wisconsin man who faked his own drowning this summer and abandoned his wife and three children is in Eastern Europe.

Police say they've been in contact with Ryan Borgwardt, who is alive and safe after faking his own death in a kayaking accident.

Watertown man Ryan Borgwardt confirmed he’s alive in Europe and talking to investigators but still unsure if he will return home, Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll said Thursday.