Gypsy Rose Blanchard has confirmed the passing of her partner, Ken Urker.
In a statement shared to her Instagram Story on October 2, Gypsy reflected fondly on “the amazing father and man” Ken was while also addressing the online scrutiny surrounding their relationship.
“Ken endured an unimaginable level of public scrutiny and relentless cyberbullying across social media platforms, including TikTok and Reddit,” she began.
“The cruelty directed toward him was something no human being should have to endure.”
Gypsy believes “the tremendous weight” of the scrutiny and harassment had a profound impact on Ken, telling PEOPLE that his death was the result of an overdose.
“I hope his passing serves as a reminder that there is a real person behind every screen, every headline, and every comment.”
ICYMI: Ken Urker was found dead at a Louisiana residence on Thursday, Oct. 1, his 34th birthday, a source close to the family confirmed to PEOPLE.
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a residence in Raceland at approximately 6:15 p.m., where Ken was found dead upon their arrival.
Gypsy and Ken first connected while she was incarcerated for her role in the murder of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard.
Ken proposed in October 2018, and although the couple later called off their engagement, they eventually reconnected and fully reconciled in April 2024.
Eight months later, they welcomed their daughter, Aurora Raina Urker.
“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,” Gypsy also affirmed in her statement.
An investigation into Ken’s death remains ongoing.
