Kevin Franke: BYU Professor's Story & Ruby Franke Controversy
Is it possible for a family's carefully constructed public image to completely unravel, exposing hidden darkness and shattering the lives of those involved? The story of Kevin and Ruby Franke, once seemingly idyllic family vloggers, serves as a stark reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and the pursuit of online fame can have devastating real-world consequences.
The Frankes, Ruby and Kevin, cultivated a devoted following through their YouTube channel, "8 Passengers." The channel offered an intimate glimpse into their daily lives, featuring their six children and capturing a sense of wholesome family values. The vlog rapidly gained traction, and by 2020, "8 Passengers" had amassed 2.5 million subscribers, generating over 1 billion views. No topic seemed off-limits for the couple, as they shared everything from mundane routines to significant milestones, creating a sense of familiarity and connection with their audience. However, beneath the polished veneer of the Franke familys online presence, a darker reality was brewing.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kevin Franke |
| Date of Birth | Unknown |
| Marital Status | Married (Separated as of November 2023) |
| Spouse | Ruby Franke |
| Children | Six |
| Education |
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| Professional Experience |
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| Areas of Expertise | Geotechnical Engineering, Earthquake Engineering |
| Notable Events |
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| Additional Information | Kevin Franke is an American civil and environmental engineer. He is currently working for HDR, Inc. |
| Reference | Kevin Franke's LinkedIn Profile |
In a video, recently recorded, it's said that the civil engineering professor Kevin Franke, a dog lays in front of the ruins of a house in the Italian mountains. Franke's conjecture is that the dog's owners may have resided there before the devastating earthquake in August. The video serves as a potent reminder of life's fragility and the enduring impact of natural disasters. While the context of the video might seem unrelated to the Franke family's personal struggles, it highlights Kevin's professional expertise in a field dealing with infrastructure and the aftermath of structural failure, indirectly mirroring the personal devastation that was to come.
It was in August 2023 when everything for the Frankes was completely changed, when Ruby Franke, the family vlogger, was arrested for child abuse, along with her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt. The world, which had once been a stage for their meticulously crafted family life, turned against them. The accusations of child abuse sent shockwaves through their online community and beyond, exposing the dark underbelly of the family's public persona.
The truth, as meticulously documented in Lifetimes documentary, "Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story," reveals the former YouTube personality's shift from family vlogging to something far more disturbing. The documentary, along with various news reports and social media discussions, chronicled the evolution of Ruby Frankes online content. What started as a seemingly innocent portrayal of family life gradually morphed into a platform promoting rigid rules and concerning ideologies. This transition raised serious concerns among some subscribers, who began to suspect abuse within the Franke family.
Ruby Franke's estranged husband is Kevin Franke. The couple, who married in 2000, built their life together, creating a family that was, on the surface, the embodiment of traditional values. Ruby, who was an assistant engineering professor at Brigham Young University in Utah, was the public face of the family, while Kevin, though less visible, was an integral part of their life, providing stability and support. The couple's story is a complex one, marked by both shared dreams and, ultimately, devastating challenges.
As the online community watched the videos and their content, several subscribers became suspicious of potential child abuse. A petition circulated to the police to investigate the Franke family, citing the numerous questionable videos that raised red flags. These concerns, fueled by the family's increasingly strict and unusual parenting methods, led to heightened scrutiny and, eventually, to the charges against Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt. The online community's collective concern played a vital role in bringing the truth to light.
Kevin Franke, a former professor at Brigham Young University, has largely remained out of the public eye since the closure of "8 Passengers." He focused on rebuilding relationships with his children and navigating the complexities of a life drastically altered by his wife's actions. His lawyer has stated that Kevin is making an effort to rebuild and bridge these relationships, rather than placing blame.
Kevin Franke's legal and personal situation continues to be complex. In November 2023, he filed for divorce, although they were still officially married as of February 27, 2025.
The situation underscores the importance of digital literacy and critical thinking in navigating the online world. It's a reminder that what we see online does not always represent the full story, and that even seemingly idyllic portrayals of family life can conceal dangerous truths. It also emphasizes the power of community and the importance of speaking out when something feels wrong.
The legacy of the Franke family's online presence will be the impact it had on the lives of their children and the viewers who followed them. The Franke's story serves as a cautionary tale for those who create and consume content online, reminding everyone of the need for authenticity, ethical responsibility, and the potential for harm that can arise when boundaries are blurred.
