Former 16 and Pregnant star Whitney Purvis is facing involuntary manslaughter charges after authorities say she supplied drugs that led to a fatal overdose in Georgia.
Whitney Purvis, who rose to fame after appearing on MTV's 16 and Pregnant in 2009, was arrested on 7 July in Floyd County, Georgia. The 33-year-old has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, possession of a controlled substance, and using a communication device to facilitate a felony.
According to Daily Mail, police allege that Purvis provided a dangerous cocktail of fentanyl and xylazine — a veterinary sedative nicknamed "tranq" — to 37-year-old John Mark Harris. He reportedly died in February following the overdose. These substances, often mixed together, have been linked to a rising number of overdose deaths across the United States.
Arrest and Investigation
Police took Purvis into custody without incident. According to a report by People, she was booked into Floyd County Jail, where she remains under suicide watch and is undergoing medical detoxification. Investigators believe the drug deal was arranged digitally, prompting the charge related to the use of a communication device.
Authorities have not announced additional arrests, but noted the case is part of a broader investigation into local drug distribution and overdose deaths in Floyd County.
Tragedy After Tragedy
The arrest comes just a month after the death of Purvis's 16-year-old son, Weston Gosa Jr., who died on 2 June. According to The Independent, Weston had suffered from chronic health issues including diabetes and Addison's disease. His official cause of death has not been disclosed.
In a heartbreaking Facebook post, Purvis wrote, "My beautiful son, Weston has passed away. He was only 16 years old. Life is so cruel and unfair." She added, "He was so perfect. I just don't understand."
She later claimed that her ex-partner, Weston Gosa Sr., barred her from attending her son's funeral. The pair had a long history of custody disputes, and Gosa Sr. had been awarded full custody in 2018.
Legal Troubles and Public Downfall
This is not Purvis's first run-in with the law. In 2024, she was arrested for failing to pay nearly £15 000 ($19,000) in child support. She has also faced charges related to shoplifting and harassment in previous years.
A preliminary hearing in the manslaughter case is expected in the coming weeks. At the time of writing, Purvis has not issued a public statement, and no legal representatives have commented on her behalf.
Purvis's story, once a televised glimpse into the struggles of teenage motherhood, has now become a cautionary tale filled with tragedy, legal battles, and unanswered questions. From reality TV fame to facing the possibility of a long prison sentence, the future for the former MTV star remains uncertain.
