Gypsy Rose Blanchard's boyfriend, Ken Urker, has died at the age of 34.
TMZ first reported the news after he was found unresponsive on his birthday on October 1 in Louisiana.
The Lafourche Sheriff’s Office confirmed that he was "dead upon arrival."
Gypsy — who shares a daughter, Aurora Rainer Urker — texted him a happy birthday message but didn't get a response.
Gypsy's brother discovered Ken when he arrived home.
Gypsy later released a statement to TMZ saying Ken had been a victim of "relentless cyberbullying" and "unimaginable level of public scrutiny" before his death. Gypsy added that the "cruelty directed toward him was something no human being should have to endure."
She also said: "Ken was an amazing father and a man who was deeply loved," and continued: "He will forever be my soulmate and my red string, a connection that time, distance, and even death can never erase."
Talking of how much he will be missed by their daughter, Gypsy insisted she will "make sure she grows up knowing how deeply her father loved her and who he was beyond what strangers on the internet chose to say about him."
How did they meet?
© InstagramThe pair met through a penpal program while she was in prison for her role in her mother's death.
He proposed during a prison visit in 2018.
Gypsy and Ken split and she went on to date and marry Ryan Anderson while she was still incarcerated. When their marriage broke down, she reconnected with Ken.
Gypsy in 'disbelief'
© TikTokGypsy also shared a statement with People saying she believed Ken died from an overdose.
"I don’t know if it was intentional or not,” she told the outlet. "He was not in a good state of mind lately.
“I'm in disbelief. I can't think,” she added. "I've screamed until my throat burns."
Gypsy became known following the murder of her mom, Dee Dee Blanchard. She plead guilty to second-degree murder in 2016 and was released from prison in 2023.
She has asked for privacy during this difficult time.
For those who may be struggling, support is available. Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visit https://988lifeline.org/ .
