Gypsy Rose Blanchard, previously incarcerated for her mother’s murder, has spoken up following the death of her ex-fiancé and daughter’s father, Ken Urker, who was found deceased at his Raceland, La., residence on his birthday. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Department is investigating the incident with no current signs of foul play.
Authorities responded to a wellness check on Urker after he failed to show up for work and had expressed suicidal thoughts. Inside the home, Urker was discovered deceased alongside drug-related items and a holstered firearm. The cause of death remains undetermined.
Blanchard expressed uncertainty about the circumstances, stating that Urker had been struggling mentally and had faced significant online harassment during their relationship. Their connection began in 2017 when Urker reached out to her after watching the documentary “Mommy Dead and Dearest,” shedding light on Blanchard’s troubled past with her mother.
The couple’s relationship faced challenges, including Blanchard’s prior conviction for her mother’s murder and subsequent release from prison. Their journey was documented in the Lifetime series “Gypsy Rose: Life After Lock Up.” After a tumultuous period, Blanchard and Urker welcomed their daughter, Aurora Rain Urker, in December 2024.
Blanchard described Urker as a devoted father and her eternal love, emphasizing his positive impact on their lives. Despite the tragic loss, Blanchard remains resilient, sharing her story on various platforms to raise awareness about her past and the road to recovery. CBC News has reached out for additional input from Blanchard’s former spokesperson.