Gypsy Rose Blanchard is mourning the sudden death of her partner and the father of her daughter, Ken Urker.
Urker was found dead at a home in Raceland, Louisiana, on October 1, the same day he turned 34.
According to TMZ, Blanchard had sent Urker a birthday message but became concerned after receiving no response. A family member later found him unresponsive.
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to the residence at approximately 6:15 p.m. and found Urker dead upon arrival. An investigation into his death remains ongoing.
Hours after news of the tragedy emerged, Blanchard shared a possible explanation for what happened.
Speaking with PEOPLE, she said she believes Urker suffered an overdose, although she does not know what substance may have been involved or whether it was intentional.
“I don’t know if it was intentional or not. He was not in a good state of mind lately. I’m in disbelief. I can’t think. I’ve screamed until my throat burns.”
Blanchard separately told TMZ that an unidentified substance was allegedly discovered where Urker died. She said he had no known history of drug problems and that she had never seen him use drugs.
The pair first connected while Blanchard was incarcerated and became engaged in 2018. After separating and later reconnecting, they welcomed daughter Aurora in December 2024.
An official cause of death has not yet been released.