Gypsy Rose breaks silence on partner Ken Urker’s death

Gypsy Rose Blanchard has spoken out following the death of her partner, Ken Urker, saying she believes he died from an overdose but does not know whether it was intentional.

Blanchard told PEOPLE that Urker, 34, was found dead in his bed at his home in Raceland, Louisiana, on Thursday, October 1, which was also his birthday. The Lafourche Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a residence at about 6:15pm and found him dead upon arrival. Authorities said the investigation into his death remains ongoing.

“I don’t know if it was intentional or not,” Blanchard said, adding that Urker “was not in a good state of mind lately.”

Blanchard said she was “in disbelief” following his death and described Urker as “an amazing father” to their daughter, Aurora Raina Urker. She also called him her “soulmate” and said she would ensure their daughter grows up knowing how deeply her father loved her.

The couple first connected while Blanchard was serving a prison sentence for her involvement in the murder of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard. Urker proposed in 2018, but the pair later ended their engagement and went their separate ways.

Blanchard later married Ryan Anderson, but they separated after she was released from prison in December 2023. She and Urker reconciled in April 2024 and welcomed their daughter eight months later.

Blanchard also addressed the online attention surrounding Urker, saying he faced harassment and cyberbullying on social media. She asked for privacy for their daughter, their families and others grieving his death.

The Lafourche Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Urker’s death.