Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who served over seven years in prison for the murder of her mother, has spoken up following the death of her ex-fiancé and the father of her child. Ken Urker, aged 34, was discovered unresponsive at his residence in Raceland, La., on his birthday, October 1. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Department is currently investigating his passing and has not found any indications of foul play at this stage.
Authorities were prompted to check on Urker after he failed to show up for work, having previously expressed suicidal thoughts. Upon entering his home, they found Urker deceased along with drug-related items, a powdery substance, and a holstered firearm. The cause of death remains undetermined.
Blanchard mentioned that Urker had been struggling mentally and had been subjected to severe scrutiny and cyberbullying during their relationship. She expressed hope that his death would remind people to consider the human impact behind online interactions and media coverage.
Blanchard and Urker first connected in 2017 when he reached out to her while she was in prison after watching the HBO documentary “Mommy Dead and Dearest.” The film detailed Blanchard’s mother’s alleged fabrication of her daughter’s medical conditions and the subsequent murder plot hatched by Blanchard and her then-boyfriend Nicholas Godejohn. Godejohn is currently serving a life sentence for the murder.
Blanchard, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, was proposed to by Urker in October 2018 while she was incarcerated. After a brief engagement hiatus, they reunited in 2019. Their relationship faced challenges over the years, including Blanchard’s marriage to Ryan Anderson and subsequent separation before ultimately reconciling with Urker.
In December 2024, Blanchard and Urker welcomed their daughter, Aurora Rain Urker. Following Urker’s passing, Blanchard described him as a devoted father and the love of her life, emphasizing their unbreakable connection.
Blanchard shared her experiences on the “We Need to Talk” podcast in June, addressing her difficult upbringing, the night of her mother’s death, and her ongoing efforts to move forward from her troubled past. CBC News has contacted one of Blanchard’s former representatives for additional statements.
