Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who served over seven years in prison for her mother’s killing, has spoken up following the death of her former fiancé and the father of her child, Ken Urker, who was discovered deceased at his residence in Raceland, Louisiana, on his birthday, October 1. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Department is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his passing and has not found any signs of foul play thus far. Urker was found unresponsive after concerns were raised about his well-being when he failed to show up for work following threats of self-harm. Upon entering his home, authorities found Urker deceased along with drug-related items and a holstered firearm. The cause of death remains undetermined.
Blanchard expressed uncertainty about whether Urker’s death was intentional, noting his recent mental struggles. She highlighted the intense scrutiny and cyberbullying that Urker endured during their relationship, emphasizing the impact of online harassment on individuals’ well-being.
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 detailed the abusive behavior of Blanchard’s mother. Blanchard, alongside her then-boyfriend Nicholas Godejohn, orchestrated a plan to kill her mother, resulting in Godejohn’s life sentence for murder and Blanchard’s guilty plea to second-degree murder. Despite their tumultuous history, Blanchard and Urker became engaged in October 2018, briefly called off the engagement, and eventually reunited in 2019.
Blanchard’s journey post-incarceration was documented in the docuseries “Gypsy Rose: Life After Lock Up,” which premiered in June 2024, showcasing her transition back into society, divorce from Ryan Anderson, and reconciliation with Urker. The couple welcomed their daughter, Aurora Rain Urker, in December 2024. Blanchard described Urker as a devoted father and the love of her life, pledging to cherish their connection despite his passing. She recently shared her experiences on the “We Need to Talk” podcast, reflecting on her troubled upbringing, the night of her mother’s death, and her efforts to move forward from her dark past. CBC News has contacted one of Blanchard’s former representatives for additional insights.