Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s Ex Ryan Anderson Reacts to Ken Urker Death
Gypsy Rose Blanchard's Partner Ken Urker Had Drug Paraphernalia at Time of Death
Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s ex-husband is speaking out after the death of Ken Urker.
After the Life After Lockup star’s former fiancé was found dead from a suspected overdose on his 34th birthday Oct. 1, Ryan Anderson shared his reaction to the tragic news.
“I didn’t believe it at first. I was like no,” he said on the Oct. 2 episode of The Sarah Fraser Show. “My initial thought was shock, like, ‘Hmm, how’d that happen?’”
But then Anderson thought about Blanchard and her 2-year-old daughter Aurora, who she shared with Urker.
“My immediate thought went to, ‘How’s Gypsy?’” he continued. “My immediate thought was, ‘How’s she doing. And what about their kid?’”
Blanchard and Anderson tied the knot in 2022 while she was still behind bars for her part in the murder of her mom Clauddine “Dee Dee” Blanchard. However, they announced their split in March 2024 following her 2023 prison release.
Weeks later, Blanchard confirmed her relationship with Urker, who she initially met while she was in prison in 2017.
In the aftermath of Urker’s death, Anderson admitted he and Blanchard’s former fiancé “never really saw eye to eye,” but he was still heartbroken by the news of his death.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
“We never met in person, but we had exchanges on the phone and we’ve had text messages. We’ve interacted and they were never good,” he shared. “But you still hate to hear that somebody passed away.”
And while Anderson noted he and Blanchard have not spoken in a year, he said he reached out to her dad Rod Blanchard to relay his condolences.
Instagram/Gypsy Rose Blanchard
“I said, ‘Hey, man, I’m hearing this news. If it’s true, tell Gypsy I’m sorry. Tell her I’m here for her if she needs me,’” he explained. “I was always somebody who could make her laugh when she was sad or give her comfort.”
Emphasizing that his “main concern is Aurora and Gypsy,” Anderson said he would step in as a friend if Blanchard ever reaches out.
“I don't know if she will or not,” he shared, “but if she does, I would be there for her strictly as just being there for her because I always was.”
For a look back at Blanchard’s relationship with Urker, keep reading…
TikTok / Gypsy Rose Blanchard
"The One"
TikTok / Gypsy Rose Blanchard
Origin Story
The couple, who got engaged in 2018, even managed to create a festive atmosphere while Blanchard was incarcerated.
TikTok / Gypsy Rose Blanchard
What She Said
They split up in 2019 but, as Blanchard later noted, fate would come back to find them...
TikTok / Gypsy Rose Blanchard
On the Outside
While Blanchard went on to tie the knot with teacher Ryan Anderson in 2022, she filed for divorce after less than two years of marriage. She and Urker Ken reunited in the spring of 2024.
"We are together and in a wonderful place in our relationship," she told TMZ that April. "We know it is going to be a long road ahead but are excited for the future."
TikTok / Gypsy Rose Blanchard
Sunnier Days Ahead
Cloudy skies couldn't put a damper on the rekindled pair's mood.
TikTok / Gypsy Rose Blanchard
Cozying Up
Blanchard cuddled up next to Urker in this selfie snapped after their reunion.
TikTok / Gypsy Rose Blanchard
Sweet Laughter
Whatever he said had Blanchard beaming in a video about their "love story."
Gypsy Rose Blanchard/Instagram
Scenes From a Romance
Blanchard shared a collage of some of her and Urker's most adorable moments a few weeks before revealing her pregnancy with their first child together.
At the time, she noted that their baby was due in January 2025.
Instagram / Gypsy Rose Blanchard
It's a Girl
The two found out they were expecting a baby girl during a sex reveal party in August 2024.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard/Instagram
Date Night
Before they become a family of three, Blanchard and Urker dined at a table for two during a September 2024 date night.
Instagram / Gypsy Rose Blanchard
Romantic Getaway
The parents-to-be took a trip to California, including Marina Del Rey, that October.
Instagram / Gypsy Rose Blanchard
Making Memories
And while Blanchard noted on Instagram the view of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge was "incredible," she added, "the company made it unforgettable."
Instagram / Gypsy Rose Blanchard
Selfie Time
The duo sported their shades in this sunny snap.
Instagram/Gypsy Rose Blanchard
And Then There Were Three
On December 28, 2024, exactly one year after Blanchard was released from prison, she and Urker welcomed their daughter Auora.
Gypsy-Rose Blanchard/Instagram
First Birthday
Blanchard and Urker rang in their little girl's first birthday in 2025 with a Ms. Rachel-themed party.
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