They are finally safe. Honestly, that’s the only thing that matters after the nightmare that unfolded in Ivins, Utah. When we talk about Eve and Russell Franke now, we’re looking at two kids who have lived through things most of us can’t even imagine in our worst fever dreams. It’s been a couple of years since that frantic 911 call from a neighbor's house changed everything, and while the internet is still buzzing with "where are they" theories, the reality is much quieter. And that’s exactly how it should be.
The Long Road to Recovery for Eve and Russell Franke Now
Healing isn't a straight line. It’s messy. For Eve and Russell Franke now, the focus has shifted entirely away from the camera lens that once defined their childhoods. After their mother, Ruby Franke, and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt were sentenced to prison in early 2024, the priority became shielding these kids from the very public that watched them grow up on the 8 Passengers YouTube channel.
Russell, who was 12 at the time of the escape, and Eve, who was 10, didn't just need physical medical care for the emaciation and wounds reported by authorities. They needed to learn how to be kids again. Think about it. For years, their lives were content. Every "punishment" or "lesson" was a potential thumbnail. Now, they are living under the custody of their father, Kevin Franke, who was granted full custody in March 2025 following their finalized divorce.
Kevin has been pretty vocal about one thing: his kids are not for public consumption anymore. He’s been working with therapists and specialists to help them process the "dark delusion" their mother admitted to following. It’s a lot to unpack. The children have reportedly undergone extensive psychological assessments. They’re basically rebuilding their entire sense of safety from the ground up.
Where exactly are they living?
The short answer? None of our business, and that’s a good thing. We do know that Kevin Franke was awarded the family’s home in Springville, Utah, as part of the divorce settlement. Whether the kids are actually living in that specific house or somewhere more private is kept under wraps for their protection. Kevin also remarried a woman named Becca in September 2025. This new family dynamic is supposedly focused on "rebuilding," according to statements from his legal team.
The older siblings, Shari and Chad, have been massive pillars of support. Shari has actually been quite the advocate, even speaking to Utah lawmakers about protecting child influencers. She released a memoir titled The House of My Mother in early 2025, which gave some insight into the family’s collapse, but she has been very careful not to exploit her younger siblings' current lives. Chad is reportedly out of the house, working in real estate and living his own life, but he’s still very much a protective older brother.
Life Without the "8 Passengers" Spotlight
It's kinda wild to think about how much their lives have changed. One day you’re a "character" in a vlog, and the next, you’re the center of a national criminal case. For Eve and Russell Franke now, the absence of the camera is likely the most significant part of their therapy. No more "Moms of Truth" videos. No more performative parenting.
- Privacy is the new priority: There are no public social media accounts for the minor children.
- Schooling has changed: While Ruby once homeschooled or used "extreme discipline" regarding school, the kids are now in more traditional, supervised environments.
- Family ties are being mended: Kevin had no contact with them for over a year before the arrest; those bonds take a long time to fuse back together.
There was a Hulu documentary, Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, that aired in February 2025. Kevin, Shari, and Chad all appeared. Noticeably absent? Eve and Russell. Their family made a conscious choice to keep them out of it. They didn't want the kids to have to relive the trauma for a streaming audience. That speaks volumes about where the family’s head is at right now.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Current Situation
A lot of people think that because Ruby apologized in court, everything is "fixed." It’s not. Ruby is serving four consecutive sentences of 1 to 15 years. Even with Utah's cap on consecutive sentences, she’s looking at a long time behind bars—up to 30 years. Eve and Russell Franke now have to navigate their adolescence knowing their mother is in a state correctional facility.
Also, don't buy into the "perfect recovery" narrative. Recovery from the kind of treatment described in those police reports—starvation, physical restraint, being told they were "evil"—doesn't just go away because you have a nice house and a new stepmother. It’s a lifelong process. The kids are reportedly safe and "doing well" in the context of their situation, but "well" is relative.
Actionable Insights for Concerned Observers
If you’ve followed this story and want to do something productive rather than just speculating on Reddit, here is how you can actually help the cause these kids now represent:
- Support Legislation for Child Influencers: Follow the work Shari Franke is doing. Many states are currently looking at "Coogan Laws" for social media to ensure kids who are vlogged get a share of the profits and have legal protections.
- Respect the "Dark": If you see "leaked" photos or "sightings" of the younger Franke kids online, don't share them. Reporting those posts helps keep their location and appearance private.
- Understand the Signs: The Franke case blew up because neighbors finally noticed something was wrong. Learn the signs of child neglect and abuse in your own community. Organizations like Childhelp or the RAINN network provide resources on how to spot and report suspicious behavior safely.
- Stop Feeding the Vlog Cycle: The best way to prevent another 8 Passengers is to stop giving views to channels that exploit children's private moments for clicks. If a kid looks stressed or if a "prank" seems cruel, hit the block button.
The story of Eve and Russell Franke now is no longer a public spectacle. It’s a private journey of two resilient kids trying to find their footing in a world that finally stopped watching them through a screen. Let's keep it that way.
