Gypsy Rose Blanchard is sharing insight into Ken Urker’s life in the spotlight.
One day after the Life After Lockup star’s boyfriend died suddenly Oct. 1, she shared a glimpse into his personal struggles.
“Ken endured an unimaginable level of public scrutiny and relentless cyberbullying across social media platforms,” Blanchard said in a statement shared to her Instagram Story Oct. 2. “The cruelty toward him was something no human should have to endure. I believe the tremendous weight of that scrutiny and harassment had a profound impact on him.”
While authorities—who are currently amid an investigation—have not yet confirmed Urker’s cause of death, Blanchard expressed belief to People that her boyfriend had experienced an overdose and that she wasn’t sure whether or not it had been intentional.
“I hope his passing serves as a reminder,” she continued, “that there is a real person behind every screen, every headline and every comment.”
The 35-year-old highlighted Urker’s love for their daughter Aurora, 21 months, and called her a “beautiful reflection of his enduring spirit.”
“Through her, a part of him will always remain with us,” Blanchard continued. “I 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.”
Blanchard met Urker as a pen pal in 2017 amid her prison sentence for conspiring in the murder of her mother Clauddine “Dee Dee” Blanchard, before rekindling a romance in 2024.
She affirmed her boyfriend will be “deeply missed, forever loved and never forgotten.”
Authorities confirmed in a statement to E! News Oct. 1 that Urker was “found dead upon arrival” after receiving an emergency call around 6:15 p.m. local time, adding, “At this time, we are continuing the death investigation.”
Shortly after her boyfriend’s death was confirmed, Blanchard—who was previously married to Ryan Anderson from 2022 to 2024—shared insight into how she was coping in the immediate aftermath.
“I’m in disbelief. I can’t think,” she told People. “I’ve screamed until my throat burns.”
For a deeper look into Blanchard and Urker’s love story, keep reading…
"The One"
Gypsy Rose Blanchard told E! News she knew Ken Urker was the one "probably the day I met him back in 2017."
At the time, she was serving a 10-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to second-degree murder for her role in the 2015 killing of her mom Clauddine "Dee Dee" Blanchard.
Origin Story
The couple, who got engaged in 2018, even managed to create a festive atmosphere while Blanchard was incarcerated.
What She Said
They split up in 2019 but, as Blanchard later noted, fate would come back to find them...
On the Outside
While Blanchard went on to tie the knot with teacher Ryan Anderson in 2022, she filed for divorce after less than two years of marriage. She and Urker Ken reunited in the spring of 2024.
"We are together and in a wonderful place in our relationship," she told TMZ that April. "We know it is going to be a long road ahead but are excited for the future."
Sunnier Days Ahead
Cloudy skies couldn't put a damper on the rekindled pair's mood.
Cozying Up
Blanchard cuddled up next to Urker in this selfie snapped after their reunion.
Sweet Laughter
Whatever he said had Blanchard beaming in a video about their "love story."
Scenes From a Romance
Blanchard shared a collage of some of her and Urker's most adorable moments a few weeks before revealing her pregnancy with their first child together.
At the time, she noted that their baby was due in January 2025.
It's a Girl
The two found out they were expecting a baby girl during a sex reveal party in August 2024.
Date Night
Before they become a family of three, Blanchard and Urker dined at a table for two during a September 2024 date night.
Romantic Getaway
The parents-to-be took a trip to California, including Marina Del Rey, that October.
Making Memories
And while Blanchard noted on Instagram the view of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge was "incredible," she added, "the company made it unforgettable."
Selfie Time
The duo sported their shades in this sunny snap.
And Then There Were Three
On December 28, 2024, exactly one year after Blanchard was released from prison, she and Urker welcomed their daughter Auora.
First Birthday
Blanchard and Urker rang in their little girl's first birthday in 2025 with a Ms. Rachel-themed party.