Who is YouTuber Ruby Franke’s Husband? Asked Her to Stop Writing to Him From Prison

Ruby Franke and Kevin Franke

As she faces the consequences of her actions, the dynamics of her relationship with her estranged husband, Kevin Franke, have also come into the spotlight.

Who is Kevin Franke?

Kevin Franke, 46, is a former YouTube content creator who rose to fame alongside Ruby Franke through their family vlogging channel. Kevin, who holds a background in engineering, was initially an active part of the "8 Passengers" channel, which featured the daily lives of the couple and their six children. His educational and professional credentials include a position as an assistant professor at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he contributed to the civil engineering department.

The Rise and Fall of the "8 Passengers"

The "8 Passengers" channel, launched in 2015, quickly gained a substantial following for its wholesome portrayal of family life. Ruby and Kevin's children, especially the eldest, Shari and Chad, became familiar faces to many. However, as the channel's popularity soared, criticism grew regarding Ruby’s strict parenting methods, which some viewers found concerning.

In 2023, the situation escalated dramatically when Ruby and her friend Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested on six counts of felony child abuse. The arrest occurred after Ruby’s youngest son, then 12, managed to escape from Hildebrandt’s home and sought help from a neighbor. This incident brought the dark reality of the Franke household into the public eye, resulting in the channel’s eventual removal from YouTube.

Kevin Franke’s Response to Ruby’s Arrest

Kevin, who was separated from Ruby at the time of the abuse, shared his perspective in a recent interview with People. Despite his love for Ruby, he emphasized that there was no room for reconciliation. He revealed that Ruby attempted to communicate with him through letters from prison, but he requested the Department of Corrections to stop her correspondence.

"I didn’t want to hear anymore. I didn’t like what she was saying. I’m not going to share," Kevin said. His guarded statements hinted at the pain and betrayal he feels, stating, "That’s between her and me. But it just didn’t feel right and it didn’t feel good. And I’m very angry. I’m still very angry."

Kevin, who now focuses on providing a stable environment for his children, has made it clear that he is moving on and prioritizing his family’s well-being. He is currently seeking custody of his children while Ruby serves a 4 to 30-year sentence at the Utah State Correctional Facility.

Ruby Franke’s Legal Consequences

Ruby pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse in December 2023, admitting to torturing her children. As part of her plea deal, she agreed to testify against Hildebrandt, who also pleaded guilty. During her sentencing, Ruby issued an apology to her children and Kevin, describing the end of their marriage as a tragedy.

Despite the apology, Kevin remains resolute in his decision not to reconcile. "There’s some bridges that you just can’t cross and then cross back. She burned the bridges, and so I’m moving on," he said.

Moving Forward

With Ruby's incarceration and the family's tumultuous public history, Kevin's priority is to rebuild and support his children. His goal is to create a safe and nurturing environment away from the scrutiny and trauma of the past.

The tragic downfall of the "8 Passengers" channel serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers behind the seemingly perfect facades presented on social media. As Kevin and his children navigate their new reality, the focus remains on healing and safeguarding their future.

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