Ken Urker, Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s partner and the father of their daughter, died Thursday in Louisiana.
A family member found Urker unresponsive inside a home on Oct. 1, his birthday, according to PEOPLE, which confirmed his death with a source close to the family.
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office told the magazine that officers responded to a residence in Raceland at approximately 6:15 p.m. and found Urker dead upon arrival.
A cause of death has not been publicly confirmed in the reporting reviewed.
A Father to Aurora
Urker and Blanchard welcomed their daughter, Aurora Raina Urker, in December 2024.
In an earlier interview with PEOPLE, Blanchard spoke warmly about watching him adjust to fatherhood. She described the experience as a period of growth for both of them and praised his patience with their daughter.
“I’ve learned that he is a lot more patient than I gave him credit for,” she said.
Their Relationship Over the Years
Blanchard and Urker first connected while she was incarcerated. They became engaged in 2018 but later separated.
The pair reunited in April 2024, following Blanchard’s separation from Ryan Anderson. Urker previously recalled visiting her that month and spending a weekend together as they renewed their relationship.
They later attended a jazz festival together before learning they were expecting Aurora.
Family Shares News of His Death
Urker’s sister, Autumn, addressed his death during a TikTok livestream on Oct. 1, according to PEOPLE. She said his last words to her were “I love you.”
Details about what caused his death remain unconfirmed. His family’s statements and authorities’ confirmation do not establish a cause.