New Details Released In Louisiana Death Of Ken Urker As Gypsy Rose Blanchard Speaks Out
New information has been released about the death of Ken Urker, Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s partner and the father of her daughter, after deputies responded to a welfare concern at his Raceland home.
Urker was found dead Thursday, October 1, on his 34th birthday. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office says the investigation into his death remains ongoing, and an official cause of death has not been confirmed.
Blanchard, however, told PEOPLE that she believes Urker died from an overdose, though she said she does not know whether it was intentional.
Deputies Called To Raceland Home For Welfare Concern
According to details released by the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office and reported by WDSU, deputies were dispatched to a Raceland residence around 6:18 p.m. Thursday after family members became concerned when Urker was not answering his phone or the door.
Anita Blanchard and Dylan Blanchard told investigators they had been with Urker at church Wednesday and said he had made comments about feeling depressed and upset.
They also told deputies Urker was seen on TikTok Live around 11 p.m. Wednesday, reportedly driving without speaking. Concern grew when Urker did not show up for work Thursday and could not be reached.
Before deputies arrived, Anita Blanchard, Dylan Blanchard and Justin Daigle were able to access the home through an unlocked bedroom window. They discovered Urker unresponsive on his bed and told investigators he was cold to the touch and not breathing.
Deputies Report Finding Drug Paraphernalia
According to WDSU’s report on the sheriff’s office findings, deputies said they discovered drug paraphernalia inside the home, including syringes and a spoon near what was described as a brown powdery substance in the bathroom.
Investigators also reported finding a syringe and handgun on the nightstand near Urker’s bed. Deputies said Urker appeared to have been dead for an extended period of time.
Despite those findings, authorities have not announced an official cause or manner of death. The sheriff’s office says the case remains under investigation.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard Says She Believes Urker Overdosed
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE following Urker’s death, Blanchard said she believes he overdosed but does not know whether it was intentional.
Blanchard said Urker had not been in a good state of mind recently and described herself as being in disbelief over his death.
She also spoke about the online scrutiny and harassment Urker faced during their relationship, telling PEOPLE she believes the pressure had a profound impact on him.
Blanchard asked for privacy and compassion for their daughter and both families as they grieve.
Urker And Blanchard Share A Daughter
Urker and Blanchard’s relationship began years before they became parents.
The two initially connected while Blanchard was incarcerated and became engaged in 2018. Their relationship later ended, and Blanchard eventually married Ryan Anderson.
Following Blanchard’s separation from Anderson, she and Urker reconciled in April 2024. Eight months later, they welcomed their daughter, Aurora Raina Urker.
In her statement following Urker’s death, Blanchard described him as a devoted father and said she plans to make sure Aurora grows up knowing how deeply her father loved her.
Urker died on October 1, his 34th birthday.
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate his death. An official cause of death has not been released.