What was supposed to be a birthday celebration ended in tragedy for Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her family after her longtime partner and the father of her daughter, Ken Urker, was found dead at a Louisiana home on October 1.
Urker was found at a residence in Raceland on the day of his 34th birthday, according to authorities and subsequent reports. The sudden death has now prompted an investigation by the Lafourche Parish Sheriffâs Office.
According to a statement provided by the sheriffâs office and reported by TMZ, deputies responded to the Raceland residence after receiving a call at approximately 6:15 p.m..
âKenan Urker, 34, was found dead upon arrival,â the sheriffâs office said, adding that authorities were continuing their death investigation.
The official statement also clears up some confusion surrounding Urkerâs age. Early reports and social media posts listed him as 33, while the sheriffâs office identified him as 34 and PEOPLE reported that October 1 was his 34th birthday.
A birthday message that went unanswered
The hours before Urker was found make the circumstances especially heartbreaking.
According to PEOPLE, Gypsy had sent Ken a message wishing him a happy birthday but became concerned when she received no response. Her brother and sister-in-law reportedly later went to the residence and found him unresponsive.
Kenâs sister, Autumn, subsequently confirmed her brotherâs death during a TikTok livestream. PEOPLE reported that she recalled the last words he had said to her being simply, âI love you.â
Gypsy later spoke publicly about the loss, describing Ken as an âamazing fatherâ and someone who had been deeply loved. She also referred to him as her âsoulmateâ and her âred string,â a reference to the enduring connection she felt they shared.
In comments reported by TMZ, Gypsy also spoke about the intense public attention and online criticism Ken had faced during their relationship.
What is known about Ken Urkerâs cause of death?
No official cause of death has yet been announced by investigators.
Gypsy has, however, told PEOPLE that she believes Ken may have suffered an apparent overdose after an unidentified substance was reportedly discovered where he was found.
She stressed that she did not know what the substance was and did not know whether any possible overdose had been accidental or intentional. Gypsy also said she had never known Ken to have a drug problem.
Because investigators have not announced toxicology results or a formal cause of death, the overdose account remains unconfirmed by authorities.
Ken and Gypsyâs relationship stretched back years. The pair initially connected while Gypsy was incarcerated and became engaged in 2018 before later separating.
Gypsy went on to marry Ryan Anderson while in prison. Following her release in December 2023 and the breakdown of that marriage, she and Ken reconnected in 2024.
The couple welcomed their daughter, Aurora Raina Urker, in December 2024. Ken subsequently appeared alongside Gypsy as their relationship, parenthood and life after her release continued to attract widespread attention.
The loss also comes during a period of several high-profile personal stories involving public figures, including the recent death of Chad Loweâs daughter Fiona at age 13, which similarly prompted an outpouring of condolences online.
Gypsy has now asked that Ken be remembered beyond the online attention surrounding their lives, particularly for the role he played as a father to Aurora.
The Lafourche Parish Sheriffâs Office has not released further findings about what led to Urkerâs death. Until investigators and medical authorities complete their work, his official cause and manner of death remain undetermined.
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