'16 & Pregnant' Star Whitney Purvis arrested

Whitney Purvis, known from 16 & Pregnant, was arrested for involuntary manslaughter following a fatal drug overdose.

Whitney Purvis, known for her appearance on MTV's 16 & Pregnant, has been arrested on charges of involuntary manslaughter following a fatal overdose. Authorities in Floyd County, Georgia, took Purvis into custody on July 7, 2025. She is accused of distributing a dangerous combination of drugs known as Tranq, a mix of Fentanyl and Xylazine, which led to February overdose death of John Mark Harris.

In a recent development, TMZ reports that Purvis left a lengthy, emotional message on Harris' online obituary page weeks after his death. In the March 3 post, she expressed deep sorrow over missing his funeral and reminisced about their close friendship. “You came to my rescue on many occasions and saved me over the years,” she wrote, recalling their time spent cooking together, watching TV, and smoking Camel Crush cigarettes. “I could tell you anything and you always knew what to say.”

She ended the tribute with: “Rest in peace and my condolences to your family and friends. I pray they are able to find some kind of comfort during this tragic time. I love you forever, John Mark. Love, Whitney.”

Along with the involuntary manslaughter charge, Purvis is also facing charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. According to police, the drugs Purvis allegedly distributed were responsible for Harris’ fatal overdose. This arrest comes shortly after the tragic death of Purvis' 16-year-old son, Weston Jr., who passed away in June from natural causes, though the exact cause of his death has not been confirmed.

Purvis has previously been arrested on lesser charges, including allegations of shoplifting a pregnancy test, damaging electronics, and failing to pay child support. She has not yet commented on the latest charges through her representatives.

In the wake of her son’s death, Purvis shared her grief on social media, calling his passing her “worst nightmare.” She also publicly spoke about a dispute regarding her son’s funeral, claiming that she was blocked from attending by her ex-partner, Weston Gosa Sr., who allegedly excluded her from the event despite prior communications.

Purvis first appeared on 16 & Pregnant in 2009, where she introduced audiences to her life as a young mother. Since then, she has faced numerous personal and legal struggles, including losing custody of both of her sons.