Ken Urker, the longtime partner of Gypsy-Rose Blanchard and father of her young daughter, has died in Louisiana at the age of 34.
Urker was found dead at a residence in Raceland on Thursday, October 1. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office said authorities were called to the home at approximately 6:15 p.m. and found Urker dead when they arrived.
His death occurred on his birthday.
Authorities opened an investigation into Urker’s death, and an official cause was not immediately announced. Blanchard later said she believed he had suffered an apparent overdose, but said she did not know what substance may have been involved or whether the incident was accidental or intentional.
Urker became widely known through his relationship with Blanchard, whose life and criminal case have been the subject of documentaries, television programs and extensive media coverage.
Their relationship stretched back years. The two initially connected while Blanchard was incarcerated and became engaged in 2018. Their engagement eventually ended, and Blanchard later married Ryan Anderson.
Following Blanchard’s release from prison and the end of her marriage, she and Urker reconnected in 2024. Their renewed relationship soon became another highly public chapter in Blanchard’s life.
The couple welcomed daughter Aurora Raina Urker in December 2024.
Urker also appeared on the Lifetime reality series “Gypsy Rose: Life After Lockup,” which followed Blanchard as she adjusted to life outside prison and navigated relationships, family and intense public attention.
His sudden death leaves Blanchard and their young daughter facing a profound personal loss after years in which their relationship had frequently unfolded in the public eye.
The investigation into Urker’s death remains ongoing.
