Gypsy-Rose Blanchard Thanks Supporters Following Ex-Fiancé's Death
Blanchard expressed gratitude for condolences after Ken Urker, 34, was found dead on his birthday.
Gypsy-Rose Blanchard has thanked her supporters for their condolences following the death of her ex-fiancé, Ken Urker, who was found dead at his Louisiana home on his 34th birthday. Blanchard, 35, shared her appreciation on Instagram Stories, acknowledging the outpouring of love and prayers she has received.
Urker's body was discovered on Thursday, with police noting the presence of syringes, a spoon, a holstered handgun, and a powdery substance nearby. Blanchard publicly speculated that Urker may have succumbed to an overdose, stating he had not been in a good state of mind and had been subjected to relentless cyberbullying. She described him as "deeply loved" and her "soulmate," emphasizing the "cruelty directed toward him" during their relationship.
Blanchard and Urker's relationship began while she was serving a prison sentence for her role in the murder of her abusive mother, Claudine 'Dee Dee' Blanchard. Urker contacted Blanchard in 2017 after seeing a documentary about her life. He proposed in 2018, but they later separated. During this time, Blanchard married Ryan Anderson in prison.
Following her release on parole in December 2023, Blanchard divorced Anderson and reunited with Urker in 2024. The couple, who share a 21-month-old daughter named Aurora Raina Urker, had been discussing wedding plans in May, with Blanchard expressing a desire for a large ceremony with family present, a stark contrast to her prison wedding.
Urker was reportedly found by Blanchard's brother, Dylan, and his wife, who had planned to have dinner with him. Blanchard's family and Urker's family were reported to be in shock following the news. Urker's sister, Autumn, confirmed his death on TikTok, sharing that his last words to her were "I love you."
Blanchard's own history includes being a victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a condition in which her mother fabricated illnesses for her. This abuse culminated in 2015 when Blanchard's then-boyfriend murdered Dee Dee Blanchard. Blanchard pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was released from prison in December 2023 after serving nearly 10 years.