GYPSY ROSE BLANCHARD’S FIANCÉ KEN URKER DIES ON HIS BIRTHDAY AT 34
GYPSY ROSE BLANCHARD’S FIANCÉ KEN URKER DIES ON HIS BIRTHDAY AT 34
A heartbreaking tragedy has struck Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s family after her fiancé and the father of her young daughter, Ken Urker, was found dead on his 34th birthday.
Ken was found unresponsive at a home in Raceland, Louisiana, on October 1, according to the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said deputies responded to the residence at approximately 6:15 p.m. and found Kenan Urker, 34, dead upon arrival.
His death remains under investigation, and authorities have not announced an official cause of death.
THE BIRTHDAY MESSAGE THAT NEVER GOT A RESPONSE
According to reports, Gypsy Rose had sent Ken a “Happy Birthday” message but became concerned when he did not respond.
A family member later went to check on him.
The sudden loss has left Gypsy grieving the man she described as an important part of her life and, most importantly, as a loving father to their daughter.
Gypsy told PEOPLE that Ken loved their daughter, Aurora Raina Urker, and that she would make sure their little girl grows up knowing how deeply her father loved her.
“HE WAS AN AMAZING FATHER”
In a statement reported by The Irish Sun, Gypsy described Ken as “an amazing father and a man who was deeply loved.”
She also called him her “soulmate”, saying their connection was one she believed could never be erased.
The couple welcomed Aurora in December 2024, giving them a daughter together after years of an on-and-off relationship.
THEIR LOVE STORY BEGAN BEHIND PRISON WALLS
Ken and Gypsy first connected while she was incarcerated following her conviction for her role in the 2015 killing of her mother, Claudine “Dee Dee” Blanchard.
Ken contacted Gypsy after seeing the documentary Mommy Dead and Dearest, which explored her childhood and her claims of prolonged abuse.
The two became romantically involved and got engaged in 2018, but eventually separated.
After Gypsy’s release from prison in December 2023 and the end of her marriage to Ryan Scott Anderson, she and Ken reunited.
They became engaged again in April 2024.
NOW A LITTLE GIRL HAS LOST HER FATHER
Their daughter Aurora is still very young.
Gypsy said she wants her daughter to grow up understanding the love her father had for her.
“She is a beautiful reflection of his enduring spirit,” Gypsy told PEOPLE, adding that a part of Ken would always remain with them through their daughter.
QUESTIONS SURROUNDING HIS DEATH
While some reports have discussed a possible overdose, that has not been established as the official cause of death.
PEOPLE reported that Gypsy believes Ken may have suffered an apparent overdose after an unidentified substance was reportedly found at the scene. However, she said she does not know what substance it was or whether the incident was intentional or accidental.
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate.
For now, the family is left mourning a father, fiancé and loved one whose life ended unexpectedly on the very day he was supposed to be celebrating another birthday.
Ken Urker was 34 years old. His daughter Aurora will now grow up carrying the memory of a father her mother says loved her deeply.
