Gypsy Rose Blanchard's Ex, Ken Urker, Shared Cryptic Message Weeks Before Death

Ken Urker, the ex-partner of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, shared a cryptic message about his mental state with a friend just weeks before his death.

A source close to both Blanchard and Urker told Page Six that Urker texted a friend, stating, "I love you to bits. I’m surviving right now. But thanks for checking in." The friend, who was checking in after Urker's breakup with Blanchard, did not initially interpret the message as a sign of distress, believing he was "doing okay."

However, the source indicated that Urker and Blanchard had recently ended their relationship due to his ongoing mental health struggles. "She wanted him back obviously, and he just wasn’t in the right frame of mind," the source said. "His mental health wasn’t good for the past few months."

The couple had amicably separated about two months prior to Urker's death and officially broke up a month later. They had continued to communicate to co-parent their 1-year-old daughter, Aurora.

Blanchard, 35, was with their daughter during the week, while Urker cared for her on weekends. "They both just amicably, a month ago, said let’s just leave it here, have our space, and see where we’re at," the source explained.

First responders found Urker, 34, deceased in his Louisiana home on Oct. 1, which was his birthday. Authorities reported finding drug paraphernalia, including syringes and a spoon, along with a brown powdery substance. A handgun was also discovered on the nightstand next to the bed where Urker was found.

Investigators stated they found no evidence of foul play and are continuing to investigate the death. Police documents indicated Urker was discovered lying on the bed, cold to the touch, and appeared to have been deceased for an extended period.

Blanchard publicly announced Urker's death on social media, stating he died of a suspected overdose. She described him as her "soulmate" and "red string," a connection she believes transcends distance and death. Blanchard also spoke about the "unimaginable level of public scrutiny" and "relentless cyberbullying" Urker faced online.

"The cruelty directed toward him was something no human being should have to endure," she wrote. Blanchard encouraged her followers to sign an online harassment petition in Urker's honor and expressed gratitude for their support.

Urker and Blanchard first met in 2017 while Blanchard was incarcerated. They became engaged in 2018 but later separated. Blanchard married Ryan Scott Anderson in 2022, but they divorced after two years. Blanchard and Urker rekindled their relationship after her divorce and welcomed their daughter, Aurora, in December 2024.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or substance abuse, the SAMHSA National Helpline is available at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).