Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who served over seven years in prison for her mother’s homicide, has spoken out following the death of her ex-fiancé and the father of her child, Ken Urker, who was found deceased at his Raceland, La., residence on his birthday. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Department is investigating his passing and has not identified any foul play at this stage. Deputies responded to a wellness check on Urker after he failed to show up for work following a suicide threat. Upon entering the premises, they discovered Urker’s lifeless body along with drug paraphernalia and a holstered handgun. The cause of death is still undetermined.
Blanchard expressed uncertainty about whether Urker’s death was intentional, noting his recent struggles with mental health issues. She disclosed that Urker had been a target of severe online harassment and cyberbullying during their relationship. She emphasized the impact of online scrutiny and harassment on individuals and hoped that his passing would raise awareness about the real people behind digital screens and headlines.
The couple’s relationship began in 2017 when Urker reached out to Blanchard while she was in prison after watching the HBO Documentary “Mommy Dead and Dearest,” which delves into the story of Blanchard’s mother’s alleged fabrication of her daughter’s medical conditions. Blanchard, along with her former boyfriend Nicholas Godejohn, concocted a plan to kill her mother, leading to Godejohn’s imprisonment for first-degree murder. Blanchard pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was proposed to by Urker in October 2018 while still incarcerated. Despite a brief engagement hiatus, they reunited in 2019.
After a period of separation during which Blanchard married and then divorced Ryan Anderson, she and Urker reconciled. Their relationship was documented in the Lifetime series “Gypsy Rose: Life After Lock Up.” In December 2024, Blanchard gave birth to their daughter, Aurora Rain Urker. Blanchard has described Urker as a devoted parent and the love of her life, emphasizing their unbreakable connection.
Blanchard shared her story on the “We Need to Talk” podcast, discussing her challenging upbringing, the night of her mother’s death, and her journey towards overcoming her tumultuous past. Efforts to obtain further comments from Blanchard’s former representatives are ongoing.