Where Is Chad Franke Now? Here’s Why He Disappeared from Mom Ruby Franke’s ‘8 Passengers’ Vlogs — and Why He’s Back on Camera for “Devil in the Family”

Chad Franke: A Story of Resilience and Redemption

Chad Franke, known for his appearances on the popular family vlog “8 Passengers,” has gone through a tumultuous journey in recent years. From his early days in the spotlight to dealing with his mother Ruby Franke’s legal troubles, Chad’s life has taken unexpected twists and turns.

Growing up as the eldest son in a family of eight, Chad Franke had a childhood unlike most. His family gained fame through their YouTube channel, showcasing their everyday life as a Mormon family in Springville, Utah. Despite the initial success of their vlogs, things took a dark turn in 2019 when concerns were raised about Ruby Franke’s treatment of Chad.

As the Franke family delved into family therapy with Jodi Hildebrandt’s ConneXions program, Chad’s absence from the vlogs raised eyebrows among their followers. It was revealed that Chad had entered the Anasazi Foundation Wilderness Therapy Program in Arizona to work on his behavioural issues. The family’s strict parenting style, which often involved controversial punishments, was highlighted in their vlogs, with Chad bearing the brunt of many disciplinary actions.

Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt’s close relationship eventually led to a series of disturbing events. Ruby’s descent into extreme parenting methods and her estrangement from her family culminated in her arrest and conviction on child abuse charges. The harrowing details of the abuse inflicted on Chad’s younger siblings painted a grim picture of the family dynamics that had once been showcased as idyllic on their YouTube channel.

Despite the tumultuous events surrounding his family, Chad Franke has shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. In the aftermath of his mother’s conviction, Chad has chosen to focus on building a new life for himself. Transitioning from his family vlogging days, Chad has embarked on a career in real estate, showcasing his determination to move forward and carve out his path.

While Chad remains active on social media, sharing glimpses of his personal life and aspirations, he has chosen to keep a relatively low profile regarding his family’s past troubles. His silence on the matter contrasts with his older sister Shari, who has been vocal about their family’s ordeal and its impact on their lives.

The launch of the Hulu docuseries “Devil In the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke” offers a platform for Chad, Shari, and their father Kevin to share their side of the story. The series delves into the dark underbelly of the Franke family’s public image, shedding light on the reality behind the camera and the struggles they faced behind closed doors.

Chad Franke’s journey from a young vlogger to a resilient young adult navigating the aftermath of a family tragedy is a testament to his strength and determination. As he moves forward in his career and personal life, Chad’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.