Gypsy-Rose Blanchard has reportedly been invited to Ken Urker’s funeral.
Gypsy-Rose Blanchard has been invited to Ken Urker’s funeral
The Life After Lockup star is mourning the sudden death of her ex-fiancé, who died on Thursday (01.10.26) – his 34th birthday – last week, nine years after he started writing her letters in 2017, when she was in prison for her role in the second-degree murder of her mom, Clauddine ‘Dee Dee’ Blanchard.
According to TMZ, Urker’s loved ones have invited Blanchard to attend a funeral service in Texas once the family has made arrangements.
Besides his sister Autumn, it’s said his family have a “great relationship” with Blanchard, and they “don’t blame her for anything”.
Although she is “open to attending the funeral”, sources told that outlet that she’s keen to also hold her own in Louisiana for her family who can’t make the trip to Texas.
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed his tragic death last week, as they told The Hollywood Reporter: “We responded to a residence at 107 Double H Drive, Lot 4, in Raceland today after receiving a call at 6:15 p.m.
“Kenan Urker, 34, was found dead upon arrival. At this time, we are continuing the death investigation.”
Blanchard has described her late partner as “an amazing father and a man who was deeply loved”.
She said in a statement to PEOPLE magazine: “He will forever be my soulmate and my red string, a connection that time, distance, and even death can never erase.”
After writing to Blanchard while she was in prison, Urker proposed in October 2018, and after a brief split the couple reunited in August 2019.
She was released in 2023, having served to eight years behind bars for her role in the second-degree murder of her mother Clauddine ‘Dee Dee’ Blanchard.
The couple split for several years, during which time Blanchard married Ryan Anderson the year before her release, but they separated in 2024.
She reunited with Urker, while they welcomed Aurora into the world in December that same year.
Blanchard recently noted that he faced intense scrutiny and online harassment during their time together.
She told PEOPLE magazine after his death: “The cruelty directed toward him was something no human being should have to endure.
“I believe the tremendous weight of that scrutiny and harassment had a profound impact on him, and I hope his passing serves as a reminder that there is a real person behind every screen, every headline, and every comment.”
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