Kevin Franke is an American civil and environmental engineer, widely recognized as the former spouse of Ruby Franke, the disgraced YouTuber behind the now-defunct family vlogging channel 8 Passengers. Born on October 9, 1978, Kevin gained public prominence through a channel that chronicled his daily life with Ruby and their six children in Springville, Utah. At its zenith, 8 Passengers boasted over 2.5 million subscribers and billions of views, featuring homeschooling, family activities, and stringent parenting methods that later ignited controversy.
Prior to the fame from YouTube, Kevin established a robust academic and professional path in engineering. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Utah State University with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering in 2004, subsequently achieved a master’s degree from the University of Washington in 2005, and completed his PhD at Brigham Young University (BYU) in 2011. Thereafter, Kevin served as a geotechnical and earthquake engineering consultant for roughly 7 years, contributing to major undertakings such as the I-15 CORE in Utah County and the Kennecott Utah Copper tailings project.
He later ascended to the role of associate professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at BYU, specializing in geotechnical engineering, earthquake engineering, UAV applications in civil projects, soil liquefaction, and foundation design. His YouTube channel, “Office Hours,” disseminated educational content about his courses, although the last video was uploaded over 3 years ago.
Life transformed significantly in 2023 when Ruby and her business associate, Jodi Hildebrandt, were apprehended for aggravated child abuse concerning two of the younger Franke children. Kevin had parted ways with Ruby in September 2022 and was not implicated in the case. Since then, he has concentrated on reconstructing his family, advocating for enhancements in child welfare, and publicly discussing recovery from the trauma.
Update
As of January 2026, Kevin Franke has made notable advancements following the distressing incidents involving his ex-wife, Ruby Franke. His divorce from Ruby was concluded in March 2025, with Kevin receiving full custody of their four minor children, possession of the family residence in Springville, Utah, and a 2.8-acre estate in Scofield, Utah. Ruby retained certain personal assets, and no alimony was mandated; any child support she dispensed was deemed fully paid.
In late 2025, Kevin wed Becca Bevan (now Becca Franke). He publicized their engagement in September 2025, describing her as “wonderful and amazing.” They celebrated a family wedding on November 14, 2025, in Springville, Utah. His eldest daughter, Shari, shared images from the occasion on Instagram, expressing her joy at witnessing her father’s remarriage after past difficulties. She characterized Becca as a positive addition to the family and addressed any critical remarks.
Kevin continues to prioritize his children’s welfare and healing. He has initiated family traditions, such as Sunday dinners with his older children, Shari and Chad. The family has appeared in documentaries, including Hulu’s Devil in the Family: The Ruby Franke Story and Netflix’s Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story (released December 2025), where Kevin and some of the children recounted their experiences. Furthermore, Kevin has initiated legal action against Jodi Hildebrandt for emotional distress and negligence, aiming to utilize her assets for the children’s ongoing care. He advocates for greater regulation of life coaches and child welfare systems.
Kevin Franke Age
Kevin Franke was born on October 9, 1978. As of January 2026, he is 47 years old, having celebrated his birthday every October and turning 47 in 2025.
Kevin Franke Net Worth
Kevin Franke’s estimated net worth ranges from $2 million to $5 million as of 2026. This wealth largely arises from his extensive career as a civil engineering professor at Brigham Young University, his earlier consulting endeavors in geotechnical and earthquake engineering, and earnings from the 8 Passengers YouTube channel during its operational years (with revenue shared with Ruby).
Following the divorce settlement in March 2025, Kevin acquired complete ownership of significant family properties, including the Springville residence and additional land, thereby enhancing his assets. While the family’s YouTube success generated substantial income during its peak, Kevin’s professional stability as an engineer remains his primary source of financial security.
Ruby Franke
Ruby Franke (née Griffiths), born January 18, 1982, was Kevin’s spouse for over 20 years and the primary figure of the 8 Passengers channel. The couple tied the knot in December 2000 and had six children together. Throughout their marriage, Ruby chronicled their family life, including the strict parenting guidelines that later attracted criticism and eventual child abuse allegations.
In August 2023, Ruby and Jodi Hildebrandt were apprehended after one of the youngest children was discovered malnourished and injured at Hildebrandt’s residence. Ruby confessed to four counts of aggravated child abuse and was sentenced in February 2024 to up to 60 years in prison (with a minimum of four years), serving time in Utah State Prison. Her parole interview is scheduled for December 2026. He divorced Ruby in 2022, had no involvement in the abuse, and has since refrained from communicating with her, having sought intervention from the Department of Corrections.
Kevin Franke Wife
Kevin Franke’s current spouse is Becca Franke (previously Becca Bevan). They met after his divorce and began a romantic relationship. Becca boasts over 15 years of expertise in sales, office management, marketing, and public relations. She has four children from a prior marriage: sons Zach and Tagg, and daughters Kayla and Erica. The couple got engaged in September 2025 and married on November 14, 2025, in a modest family ceremony in Springville, Utah. He has referred to Becca as his “best friend and partner,” and his children, including Shari and Chad, have welcomed her warmly into the family.
Kevin Franke Marriage
Kevin Franke has been wed twice. His first marriage was to Ruby Franke on December 28, 2000. They encountered each other in August 2000, with Kevin competing against other admirers before proposing in October and marrying in December. The marriage spanned over 20 years and produced six children: Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve. The couple separated in September 2022, and Kevin filed for divorce in November 2023, citing irreconcilable differences.
The divorce was finalized in March 2025, with Kevin acquiring full custody of the minor children and ownership of the property. The marriage is to Becca Bevan (currently Becca Franke). They announced their engagement in September 2025 and married on November 14, 2025, in a private family gathering. Kevin shared heartfelt messages about rediscovering love and redemption, and his daughter Shari publicly celebrated the union, emphasizing her father’s joy.
| First | Ruby Franke | 2000–2025 (divorced March 2025) | 6 | Ended amid abuse scandal; Kevin not charged |
| Second | Becca Franke | Married November 14, 2025 | Step-children (Becca has 4) | Simple family wedding; celebrated by kids |
