Ken Urker, the fiancé of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, was found dead at his home in Raceland, Louisiana, on Thursday evening. According to a 911 dispatch transcript, the call for help came after Urker didn’t show up to work. Blanchard’s sister-in-law, Anita, requested a wellness check, telling the dispatcher that Urker was in a“dark place”and had threatened suicide.
Family members and Urker’s boss entered the home through an unlocked window and found him unresponsive on his bed. Deputies at the scene reported finding a syringe, a handgun, and drug paraphernalia on the nightstand next to him. Family told responders Urker had been drinking the night before and had been at church on Wednesday, where he made comments about feeling depressed.
Blanchard has been a fixture in headlines for years, and this news puts her and her family at the center of a very different kind of story. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. How do you check in on the people you love when they go quiet?
About the Author
Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.