The era of the "perfect" Mormon family vlog is dead. If you’ve followed the 8 Passengers saga, you know the ending wasn’t just a channel deletion—it was a full-scale legal and familial collapse. Ruby Franke divorced Kevin Franke in a process that wrapped up on March 20, 2025, but the ripples of that split are still being felt across the internet today.
It’s easy to look at the headlines and see a simple "criminal wife, victim husband" narrative. Reality is messy.
Kevin Franke officially filed for divorce in November 2023. This happened just months after Ruby was arrested for the horrific treatment of two of their youngest children. By the time the ink dried on the divorce decree in 2025, the family’s $1.3 million home in Springville, Utah, was signed over to Kevin. Ruby, currently sitting in the Utah State Prison, kept about $85,000 she’d siphoned off earlier.
Everything else? Gone.
The Breaking Point: How the Marriage Ended
People often ask why it took so long.
Kevin and Ruby actually separated way back in 2022. That’s a detail many skip over. He wasn’t even living in the house when the most extreme abuse happened at Jodi Hildebrandt’s home in Ivins. According to court documents and Kevin’s own legal team, he was essentially "excommunicated" from his own family by the duo.
He claims he was following the "counsel" of Jodi Hildebrandt. She was the one who allegedly told him to separate from his wife and kids to "save" the marriage.
Kinda wild, right? A man stays away for a year because a life coach told him to.
The Logistics of the Split
When the divorce was finalized in March 2025, the terms were pretty lopsided, which makes sense given Ruby’s criminal standing. Kevin walked away with:
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- Sole ownership of the Springville family home.
- A 2.8-acre plot of land in Scofield, Utah.
- Full custody of the four minor children.
Ruby is ordered to have zero contact with the kids. Honestly, the most surprising part of the agreement was the child support. Kevin actually agreed to consider any support she owed him as "paid in full." Basically, he wanted a clean break without the monthly legal tether to her prison commissary or whatever assets she has left.
Kevin Franke’s New Chapter in 2026
Life moves fast. In a move that polarized the 8 Passengers community, Kevin Franke remarried on November 14, 2025.
His new wife is Becca Bevan.
The wedding photos were shared by the eldest daughter, Shari Franke, who has been vocal about the "darkness" of her upbringing. Shari’s support of the marriage was a huge signal to followers. She posted that she’d prayed her dad would find someone who made him happy, claiming she could see he wasn't happy for years.
But not everyone is buying the redemption arc.
Critics still point to the years Kevin spent behind the camera. He was there during the bean bag chair incident. He was there when they threatened to take away Christmas. While he wasn't charged in the criminal case that sent Ruby to prison, the internet doesn't forget.
Where is Ruby Franke Now?
Ruby is serving four consecutive sentences of 1 to 15 years. Because of Utah's laws on consecutive sentencing, she won't serve more than 30 years total.
As of early 2026, she is still incarcerated at the Utah State Correctional Facility. Her first parole hearing is set for December 2026. Before she even walks into that room, she has to complete mental health evaluations and cognitive behavioral therapy.
She reportedly spends her time crying in her cell and working toward a college degree. She still uses the last name Franke. Despite the divorce, she told the court at her sentencing that Kevin was the "love of her life."
It’s a tragedy that played out in 4K resolution for millions to see.
Actionable Insights for Concerned Viewers
If you're following this case because of a passion for child welfare, there are real things you can do beyond just watching YouTube updates:
- Support Legislative Changes: Kevin Franke has actually advocated for Utah's "child influencer" laws. These aim to protect kids from being exploited for profit. Keep an eye on similar bills in your state.
- Report Concerns Properly: If you suspect child abuse in a digital creator's household, don't just comment. Contact the National Child Abuse Hotline (Call or text 1-800-422-4453).
- Vet "Life Coaches": The Franke case is a massive warning about unregulated "coaching." Always check for legitimate clinical licenses (LCSW, LMFT) before trusting anyone with your family's mental health.
The story of the Franke divorce isn't just about a broken marriage. It's about the total demolition of a digital empire built on a foundation that was, quite literally, crumbling from the inside.