Kevin Franke and Ruby Franke once had millions of subscribers on their YouTube channel, 8 Passengers. The couple had six children together and raised them in front of the camera for years before their channel disappeared from the platform in 2022. Ruby Franke had many critics, and her unconventional parenting style ruffled many feathers. In 2023, bombshell allegations against Ruby Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, sent shockwaves through the community. Both women pleaded guilty to child abuse charges and are serving their sentences at the Utah State Correctional Facility.
Kevin and Ruby Franke eventually divorced. Today, he’s living a happy life with a new wife and a totally fresh start.
The new Netflix documentary Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story sheds light on Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt’s arrests and the horrific abuse the two youngest Franke children endured. The Frankes’ then 12-year-old son escaped Hildebrandt’s Ivins, Utah, home in August 2023, saving himself and his sister. In the documentary, we see police interviews with Kevin Franke, who appeared genuinely shocked at what investigators claimed happened to his children.
The Frankes separated prior to the abuse allegations at Hildebrandt’s behest. She took on a cult-like leadership role for many of her clients, recommending they separate from their partners and cut off all contact. Following Ruby Franke’s arrest, the couple’s minor children went into protective custody, ultimately returning to their father’s care. He now has full custody.
After finalizing his divorce in March 2025, Kevin Franke announced his engagement to Becca Bevan. The pair married in November, beginning a new chapter in their lives.
Shari Franke, Kevin and Ruby Franke’s eldest daughter, spoke out against her mother for years. But when it comes to her dad, she’s happy to see his new life.
“I don’t even have words to describe how amazing it was to see my dad get married! When I was younger, I could always see he wasn’t happy, and I prayed that one day he’d find someone that made him happy like he deserved. I’m so glad I was there to witness his love story any negative comments towards him or his beautiful wife will be deleted,” she wrote on Instagram in December 2025. “You do not know my dad, you don’t know amends made or conversations we’ve had. He is a wonderful man, and I’m so happy for the new addition to the family!”
We hope the Franke family can heal from this tragedy and move on. Nothing will ever excuse what Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt did to those innocent kids, but knowing their father is there to love and care for them gives a lot of hope for their future.
If you suspect child abuse, you can call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-Child) or go to Childhelp.org. The hotline is available 24/7.
