Kevin Franke has been thrust into the public spotlight due to his association with former YouTube vlogger Ruby Franke, who was sentenced to prison for child abuse. While much of the media coverage has focused on Ruby’s legal troubles, many are curious about Kevin Franke role in their family’s history and his life following the scandal.
Here’s everything you need to know about Kevin Franke, his relationship with Ruby, their children, and where he stands now.
Who Is Kevin Franke?
Kevin Franke is best known as the husband of disgraced YouTuber Ruby Franke. He gained public attention as a co-creator of the controversial family YouTube channel “8 Passengers,” which documented the lives of Kevin, Ruby, and their six children.
While Kevin was an active participant in their videos, his role in Ruby’s parenting methods and the abuse allegations has been a topic of debate. Unlike Ruby, Kevin has not been charged with any crimes, and his lawyer has maintained that he had no part in the child abuse allegations that led to Ruby’s arrest.
Kevin Franke’s Background and Career
Kevin Franke is a former professor of civil engineering. He worked at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he specialized in geotechnical engineering. Before his rise to social media fame, Kevin had a respectable academic career and was known for his expertise in his field.
His professional background was a stark contrast to the YouTube fame he later gained with “8 Passengers.” However, after the controversy surrounding Ruby, Kevin has remained mostly out of the public eye.
Kevin and Ruby Franke’s Marriage
Kevin and Ruby Franke were married for several years and shared six children: Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve. The couple initially appeared to have a strong partnership, working together on their family’s YouTube channel, which amassed over 2.5 million subscribers before being deleted.
However, their parenting style raised concerns among viewers, leading to online petitions and calls for child protective services to intervene. Over time, their marriage reportedly became strained, especially as Ruby became more involved with her ex-business partner and controversial therapist, Jodi Hildebrandt.
The Role of ‘8 Passengers’ in the Franke Family’s Public Image
The “8 Passengers” YouTube channel launched in 2015 and quickly gained traction for its portrayal of a strict Mormon household. Kevin and Ruby documented their parenting journey, homeschooling methods, and everyday family life.
While many fans admired their approach, others found it concerning, especially after certain videos showcased questionable parenting tactics. Some of the most criticized incidents included Ruby refusing to bring lunch to her son at school and sending her teenage son to a strict wilderness therapy program.
As concerns grew, the channel became a point of controversy, and critics urged authorities to investigate the Franke family’s household.
Here is a bio table for Kevin Franke:
| Full Name | Kevin Franke |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | Unknown |
| Age | Estimated to be in his 40s-50s |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Former YouTube personality, Engineer, Professor |
| Education | Ph.D. in Civil Engineering |
| Spouse | Ruby Franke (estranged, filed for divorce in 2023) |
| Children | Six (Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve) |
| Famous For | 8Passengers YouTube channel, Marriage to Ruby Franke |
| Marital Status | Separated (Filed for divorce in November 2023) |
| Controversy | Associated with 8Passengers parenting controversy, but not charged with any crimes |
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Kevin and Ruby Franke’s Separation
At the time of Ruby’s arrest in August 2023, she and Kevin had reportedly been separated for over a year. Kevin’s lawyer, Randy Kester, confirmed that Ruby had initiated the separation, stating that Kevin “did not want to be separated.”
Reports suggest that Ruby’s involvement with Jodi Hildebrandt played a significant role in their split. Hildebrandt, who later faced charges alongside Ruby, had allegedly advised Ruby to cut ties with Kevin.
Kevin later filed for divorce in November 2023, months after Ruby’s arrest and amid increasing scrutiny over their family’s past.
Kevin Franke’s Response to Ruby’s Arrest
Following Ruby’s arrest, Kevin has remained largely private, focusing on rebuilding his relationship with his children. His lawyer has stated that Kevin is committed to “healing and rehabilitating” his kids, who were placed under child protective services after their mother’s arrest.
Unlike Ruby, Kevin has not been accused of direct involvement in the abuse. In an interview, his lawyer described him as “a very gentle person” who had no role in harming the children.
What Happened to the Franke Children?
After Ruby’s arrest, four of the six Franke children were taken into state custody. Their eldest daughter, Shari, publicly celebrated the authorities’ intervention, expressing relief that her siblings were finally safe.
Shari had previously distanced herself from her parents, hinting at issues within the household. She later confirmed that she had been trying to warn authorities about her mother’s parenting methods for years.
Kevin has been working to regain custody of his children and repair his fractured relationship with them. Legal proceedings regarding their custody and well-being are still ongoing.
Kevin Franke’s Life Today
Since Ruby’s conviction, Kevin has maintained a low profile. His academic career at BYU was put on hold, and he has not returned to public life.
Despite his absence from social media, reports suggest he is focused on supporting his children and distancing himself from the scandal surrounding Ruby and Jodi Hildebrandt.
The Future of Kevin Franke
While the Franke family’s public image has been permanently altered, Kevin’s future remains uncertain. He has not made any public statements regarding his plans, but his priority appears to be his children’s well-being.
It is unclear whether he will return to academia or pursue another career path. Given the controversy surrounding his past, rebuilding his professional and personal reputation will likely take time.
Final Thoughts
Kevin Franke’s story is a complex one, intertwined with the rise and fall of “8 Passengers,” the family’s strict parenting practices, and Ruby Franke’s ultimate downfall. While he has not been charged with any crimes, his association with Ruby has left a lasting impact on his life.
As he works to rebuild his relationship with his children and move forward from the scandal, the public remains curious about what lies ahead for him. Whether he will speak out publicly or continue to maintain his privacy remains to be seen.
Here are five frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the article:
- Who is Kevin Franke?
Kevin Franke is a former YouTube personality, engineer, and professor best known for co-running the “8Passengers” channel with his estranged wife, Ruby Franke. - How many children does Kevin Franke have?
Kevin Franke shares six children with Ruby Franke: Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve. - Was Kevin Franke involved in Ruby Franke’s child abuse case?
No, Kevin Franke was not charged with any crimes related to Ruby Franke’s child abuse case. - Is Kevin Franke still married to Ruby Franke?
No, Kevin filed for divorce from Ruby in November 2023 after they had been separated for over a year. - What happened to the 8Passengers YouTube channel?
The 8Passengers channel was deleted following Ruby Franke’s arrest and child abuse charges.
