Gypsy Rose Blanchard is mourning the loss of her partner, Ken Urker, who passed away at the age of 34 on October 1 — coincidentally, his birthday. Blanchard, who shares a 21-month-old daughter named Aurora with Urker, has indicated her intention to attend his funeral following an invitation from his family. She described the moment they bid farewell during a private viewing as an incredibly difficult experience.
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In her conversation with PEOPLE, Blanchard shared that both she and Aurora attended a viewing where they had the chance to say goodbye to Urker. Reflecting on the emotional moment, she revealed that her daughter called out “Daddy” upon seeing him, which added to the heart-wrenching nature of their last encounter.
The circumstances surrounding Urker’s death have left Blanchard in shock. She revealed to PEOPLE that she believes he may have died from an overdose, noting that he had not been in a good state of mind prior to his passing. The Lafourche Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana confirmed that they received a call to Urker’s home at approximately 6:15 PM local time, where he was found deceased. An investigation into his death is currently ongoing.
Describing her grief, Blanchard expressed disbelief and pain, stating, “I can’t think. I’ve screamed until my throat burns.” In her tribute to Urker, she emphasised his role as a devoted father and a deeply loved individual, asserting that their bond will endure despite his absence. “He will forever be my soulmate. A connection that time, distance, and even death can never erase,” she stated.
Throughout their relationship, Urker faced significant public scrutiny and online harassment, which Blanchard believes took a toll on him. She spoke candidly about the relentless cyberbullying he endured on platforms like TikTok and Reddit, stating, “The cruelty directed toward him was something no human being should have to endure.” Blanchard hopes that Urker’s passing serves to remind the public of the humanity behind each online persona and the real suffering that can accompany such negative attention.
As she reflects on the memories they shared, Blanchard is committed to ensuring that Aurora knows her father as more than just a public figure. “Above all, Ken loved our daughter, Aurora. She is a beautiful reflection of his enduring spirit,” she shared. “I will make sure she grows up knowing how deeply her father loved her and who he was beyond what strangers on the internet chose to say about him.”
Blanchard has announced plans for a celebration of Urker’s life in Louisiana, in addition to the funeral set to take place in Texas. She is awaiting further details regarding the arrangements, revealing that they have not yet solidified plans. While grappling with her grief, she has also requested privacy for both families as they navigate this painful period of loss.
Having originally connected during her incarceration related to the murder of her mother, Blanchard and Urker had a turbulent relationship journey. They became engaged in October 2018, but the engagement was later called off. After a period apart, during which Blanchard married Ryan Anderson and subsequently separated, she and Urker reconciled in April 2024 and welcomed their daughter shortly thereafter.
As she enters this new chapter marked by loss, Blanchard is focused on preserving Urker’s memory for their daughter while advocating for compassion and understanding in the wake of his untimely passing.