Whitney Purvis arrested: '16 and Pregnant' star charged with involuntary manslaughter

The former reality TV star’s arrest is linked to a man’s fatal overdose, records show. It comes a month after the death of her 16-year-old son.

WASHINGTON — Former “16 and Pregnant” star Whitney Purvis was arrested on Monday for involuntary manslaughter. 

Purvis, 33, was detained in Floyd County, Georgia, and is facing a felony charge related to a drug overdose death earlier this year, as per official records. The former reality TV figure is also accused of distributing a controlled substance and using a communication device to commit a felony tied to controlled substances.

The arrest of the 33-year-old is connected to an incident on February 16 following the overdose death of John Harris in Rome, Georgia. An arrest warrant for Purvis claims that the “16 and Pregnant” alum provided Harris with a controlled substance referred to as “Tranq,” a mix of Xylazine and Fentanyl, which resulted in Harris’s death.

'16 and Pregnant' Star Whitney Purvis Arrested for Involuntary Manslaughter
'16 and Pregnant' Star Whitney Purvis Arrested for Involuntary Manslaughter

Purvis’ arrest also comes a month after the death of her son Weston, who was 16. 

“This is incredibly difficult to express. My beautiful son, Weston, has passed away. He was just 16 years old,” Purvis shared in a Facebook post on June 2. “Life is so harsh and unjust. I simply can’t comprehend it. My baby is gone and I don’t know how to cope. He was so perfect. This is truly my worst nightmare realized. How does one continue living after losing a child? I’m in disbelief; this can’t be real. I wish it weren’t true. I would give anything to hold him once more. Words cannot capture the pain I’m enduring.”

“I love you so much, Weston Owen Gosa.  God, I love you so much.  You are my heart.  I was so proud of the young man you were becoming. I just can’t go on without you,” she added. “Rest in Peace, my angel.  You are gone too soon.  April 2, 2009 – June 2, 2025.”

TMZ reported that Purvis’ son died of natural causes. 

In another post following her son’s death, Purvis revealed that her son had diabetes, Addison’s disease and other medical issues. 

Purvis was featured in the first season of MTV’s “16 and Pregnant.”

This is so hard to write. My beautiful son, Weston has passed away. He was only 16 years old. Life is so cruel and…

Posted by Whitney Purvis on Monday, June 2, 2025

You May Also Like

Wisconsin cops injured after DUI suspect barrels into crowd starting police chase

Wisconsin Police Officers Injured as DUI Suspect Plows Into Crowd, Sparks Chase

Four Green Bay police officers were injured early Saturday after a vehicle…
Iran joins Russia, China at BRICS conference calling for a halt to 'escalation' as Middle East war widens

Iran, Russia and China Call for Halt to Escalating Middle East War at BRICS Summit

Iran signed a joint statement with Russia, China and other countries on…
1 year after Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez killed by federal agent in Franklin Park, community continues to call for accountability

Franklin Park Demands Accountability One Year After Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez’s Death

MELROSE PARK, Ill. () — Community leaders, elected officials and residents gathered…
Bodycam footage shows knife-wielding man charge at police in Santa Monica

Bodycam Captures Knife-Wielding Man Charging Santa Monica Police

Newly released body-camera video captures the tense moment Santa Monica police shot…
Florida woman accused of setting stranger on fire at gas station, leaving horrific burns

Florida Woman Accused of Setting Stranger on Fire at Gas Station

A Florida driver was caught in a sudden fire at a gas…
Palm Desert wife, 65, accused of killing husband with flagpole

Palm Desert Woman, 65, Accused of Killing Husband With Flagpole

A 65-year-old California woman has been accused of fatally attacking her husband…
Deputies had probable cause to arrest migrant before Sacramento Panera killing

Why Deputies Had Probable Cause Before Sacramento Panera Killing

Sacramento deputies had probable cause to arrest an Indian national who later…
Ex-Dem mayor found liable for alleged sexual assaults of 7 women, ordered to pay $13M

Ex-Dem Mayor Ordered to Pay $13M Over 7 Sexual Assault Claims

Dominic Foppoli, the former Democratic mayor of Windsor, California, was found civilly…
Saudi pipeline attack update: East-west Saudi oil pipeline attack is blamed on Iran-backed militias in Iraq

East-West Saudi Pipeline Attack Blamed on Iran-Backed Militias

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s government moved urgently Saturday to contain the fallout after…
Elena Rybakina bests defending champion Aryna Sabalenka to win her first U.S. Open

Elena Rybakina Defeats Defending Champion Aryna Sabalenka to Claim First U.S. Open Title

Elena Rybakina arrived in New York and left with nearly everything that…
Tom Tiffany, Wisconsin GOP governor candidate, swims from sinking plane after emergency lake landing

Wisconsin GOP Candidate Tom Tiffany Swims From Sinking Plane

Wisconsin Republican gubernatorial contender and U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany said he and…
Texas daycare accused of running 'child fight club' after teacher allegedly attacked 4-year-old

Texas Daycare Accused of ‘Child Fight Club’ After Teacher Allegedly Attacks 4-Year-Old

A Texas daycare is accused of turning a classroom into what one…