Gypsy Rose Blanchard is speaking out about the death of her ex, Ken Urker. Urker was found dead in his Louisiana home on October 1, his 34th birthday, and the official cause of death is still pending toxicology results. Blanchard says she’s certain it was not a suicide, and in an update to her Change.org petition, she points to extreme cyberbullying as the force that damaged his mental health and led him to unhealthy coping strategies like drugs and alcohol.
Urker is survived by his parents, his siblings, and the 21-month-old daughter he shared with Blanchard, Aurora. Blanchard is now pushing her petition to create a new law against online harassment in Urker’s name, turning a personal loss into a push for change.
The story is sparking a bigger conversation about what our words online actually do to people and whether the law should step in. Where do you stand on online harassment laws? Drop your take in the comments.
About the Author
Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.