Though once seen as a fun and entertaining vlog channel for millions, a disturbing truth was recently uncovered regarding this well-known YouTube family known as the “8 passengers.” 

Started in 2015, the “8 passengers” YouTube channel shared the lives of The Franke’s, a Mormon family living in Springfield, Utah. The YouTube family was quick to rise in popularity through the lifestyle vlogs about the parents and their six children (hence the name “8 passengers”).

This popularity would soon change their lives for the worse, as Ruby Franke was quick to prioritize fame over the well-being of her children. Ruby, wife of Kevin Franke and mother to six, was arrested for child abuse on Aug. 30, 2023 and sentenced to four one-to-15 year terms in Feb. of 2024.

This arrest shocked the internet, as many fans struggled to wrap their heads around the fact that their favorite childhood family vlogger was capable of such terrible things.

“It’s heartbreaking to see someone that I grew up watching turn out to be so evil,” Hallie Hill, junior, said.

Jodie Hildebrandt, a close family friend of the Franke’s, was arrested as well.

Hildebrandt started out as a therapist for Chad Franke, Ruby’s son, as Ruby believed Chad was struggling. Though he started out with a negative attitude, Chad soon developed a close relationship with his therapist, as did the rest of the Franke family.

Working with Chad inspired Hildebrandt to start a program called ConneXions for Mormon families in Utah, giving relationship and parenting advice to couples and families. Although many believe that this program did the exact opposite, as relationships were torn apart after attending.

ConneXions often targeted men, using shaming tactics and turning married couples against each other. Several men spoke up about their experiences with the program, saying it felt “evil.”

After the Franke’s oldest daughter, Shari, left for college, she received a disturbing text message from her mother, Ruby. The message from Ruby essentially said that she was cutting all communication with Shari; and for an unknown reason, disowned her. 

After Shari left for college, Chad decided to come clean to his mom about things he had done or been doing; things that were considered “sinning.”  Without hesitation, Ruby kicked Chad out, along with her husband, Kevin. She believed that their addictions and/or actions brought “evil energy” into the house.

On August 30, 2023, Franke’s 12-year-old child successfully escaped through the patio door of Hildebrandt’s home. The child knocked on the nearest neighbor’s door and pleaded for help. In the camera footage, the child appeared to be severely malnourished; skin and bones were visible. Ruby was then arrested that night.

The police later found out that Ruby and Hildebrandt had been starving the children; convinced that they were “possessed”. They also found handwritten entries from a journal Ruby had kept, detailing the abuse her and Hildebrandt committed against the children.

In December of 2023, Franke pleaded guilty to four felony counts of second degree aggravated child abuse. 

Franke and Hildebrandt were sentenced to four consecutive terms of one to 15 years in prison on four counts of aggravated child abuse, a second degree felony in February of 2024.

“This situation made me realize that social media is fake, and not all influencers are who they say to be online,” Avery Kobylanski, freshman, said.

Shari Franke has recently spoken out against family vlogging and the effects it can have on children, as she herself was a victim. For many, this sparks the question: can we trust online influencers?