Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who served over seven years in prison for her mother’s murder, has addressed the recent passing of her ex-fiancé and the father of her child. Ken Urker, aged 34, was discovered unresponsive in his Raceland, Louisiana residence on his birthday, October 1. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Department is actively investigating his demise, stating there is currently no sign of foul play.
Blanchard, in an exclusive conversation with People and TMZ, disclosed that an unidentified substance was found at the scene, leading her to believe Urker might have died from an overdose, although the police have not confirmed the cause of death. She expressed uncertainty regarding the intent behind the incident, stating that Urker had been struggling mentally lately.
Discussing their relationship, Blanchard mentioned that Urker had faced severe scrutiny and online harassment, which she believes profoundly affected him. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the human being beyond the online persona and headlines, hoping Urker’s passing would serve as a reminder of this.
The journey of Blanchard and Urker began in 2017 when he initiated contact with her while she was in prison after watching the HBO Documentary “Mommy Dead and Dearest.” The documentary delves into the story of Blanchard’s mother, Dee Dee, who was suspected of having factitious disorder imposed on another, previously known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy. It revealed a troubled past where Dee Dee allegedly forced her daughter into unnecessary medical interventions.
Blanchard and her former boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, conspired to end Dee Dee’s life. Godejohn is currently serving a life sentence for first-degree murder, while Blanchard pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Despite being engaged in October 2018 while Blanchard was still incarcerated, they briefly called off the engagement before reuniting in 2019.
The couple faced several separations over the years, during which Blanchard married Ryan Anderson and later publicly ended the marriage in December 2023, shortly after her release from prison. In June 2024, the docuseries “Gypsy Rose: Life After Lock Up” premiered on Lifetime, showcasing Blanchard’s journey back to society, her divorce from Anderson, and rekindled romance with Urker.
Their relationship culminated in the birth of their daughter, Aurora Rain Urker, in December 2024. Blanchard fondly remembered Urker as a devoted parent and her true love, emphasizing his importance in her life. Despite his tragic demise, she expressed that their connection transcends time and even death.
Blanchard recently appeared on the “We Need to Talk” podcast, where she reflected on her challenging past, revisited her mother’s tragic end, and shared her efforts to move forward from her dark history. CBC News has contacted one of Blanchard’s former representatives for additional insights.
