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

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.

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.”