Kevin Franke: Life After Ruby & 8 Passengers What's Next?
Is it possible to truly rebuild a life fractured by scandal and tragedy? Kevin Franke, the former husband of Ruby Franke, is now navigating this very question, striving to move forward after the devastating events that have enveloped his family, with a renewed focus on his children.
The story of Kevin Franke and his family, once a seemingly idyllic picture of suburban life captured on their popular YouTube channel "8 Passengers," has taken a dramatic and deeply unsettling turn. From the carefully curated world of family vlogging, where the couple shared their lives with their six children, the Frankes reality has been laid bare, exposed by allegations of child abuse and the subsequent legal proceedings. Kevin Franke, a former engineer with a degree from Brigham Young University, now finds himself at the center of a media firestorm and a complex family drama. He is now focused on supporting his children.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kevin Franke |
| Date of Birth | October 9, 1978 |
| Place of Birth | Utah, USA |
| Education | Brigham Young University (Engineer) |
| Marital Status | Divorced (from Ruby Franke) |
| Children | Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve |
| Known For | Former husband of Ruby Franke, formerly of "8 Passengers" YouTube channel. |
| Current Focus | Rebuilding relationships with children, advocating for welfare laws. |
| Link for reference | People.com |
Before the turmoil, the Frankes presented themselves as a typical family, their lives documented on "8 Passengers," a YouTube channel that garnered a significant following. The channel offered a glimpse into their daily routines, family vacations, and the dynamics of their six children: Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve. However, the polished facade began to crack, revealing a darker undercurrent that culminated in the arrest of Ruby Franke for child abuse in August 2023.
The events that led to this point were deeply troubling. Ruby Franke, along with her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, was accused of inflicting emotional and physical harm on several of her children. The shocking details of the abuse, which involved acts of starvation and neglect, prompted the intervention of the authorities. Four of the Frankes' minor children were placed in the custody of the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) after Ruby's arrest on August 30, 2023.
Ruby Franke pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse in St. George, Utah, on September 18, 2023. She agreed to testify against Hildebrandt, further cementing the gravity of the situation. As the legal proceedings unfolded, the public was confronted with the stark contrast between the family's online persona and the alleged realities of their home life. The youngest children were found after one of them escaped from Hildebrandt's home in Ivins, Utah.
The repercussions of these actions have been far-reaching. Kevin Franke, who had previously been living separately from Ruby, found himself thrust into the role of a single parent, navigating the complexities of custody battles and the emotional needs of his children. The couple were officially divorced after a Utah judge signed the agreement. Initially, Kevin Franke was given custody of their children, however, a battle for full custody of his younger children is still ongoing.
Kevin Franke's life took another turn. He is moving forward with his personal life. He confirmed in February 2025 that he was looking forward to dating again. He has also been outspoken about his commitment to rebuilding his relationships with his children. Kevin and his two oldest children, Shari and Chad, spoke out for the first time together in the Hulu docuseries, Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, which premieres on the streaming service.
In the wake of his ex-wife's conviction, Kevin has been focused on rebuilding his relationship with his children. He has been advocating for stronger welfare laws in Utah. He even appeared before state legislators to propose that child welfare workers be allowed to take temporary custody of children when they are deemed to be in danger. His efforts reflect a desire to advocate for change and to protect the well-being of other children in similar circumstances.
The familys story has become a cautionary tale about the blurred lines between online performance and real-life struggles. The "8 Passengers" channel, once a source of entertainment for thousands, is now a symbol of the challenges faced by many families, particularly those who document their lives for public consumption.
The saga continues to unfold as the children themselves navigate their own healing processes. The shared experiences within the Franke household have created strong bonds between them. Kevin Franke's journey is far from over, and he continues to work hard to rebuild a life of stability and healing.
The story began to unravel in 2023, culminating in Ruby Frankes arrest for aggravated child abuse. This was after one of her sons escaped from the home of Jodi Hildebrandt, the business partner who was accused of influencing Frankes parenting. Kevin Franke, who had been forced to leave the house after Hildebrandt moved in, found himself at the center of the storm.
The couples six childrenShari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eveborn between March 2003 and September 2013, have become the central focus. Their lives, once documented for public consumption, have now become the subject of legal proceedings and public scrutiny.
As Kevin Franke works to reclaim his family, his story stands as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. His focus remains on his children and the importance of advocacy.
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