
16 and Pregnant star Whitney Purvis arrested for involuntary manslaughter
The TV star was on the MTV show's first season in 2009, sharing her teen pregnancy journey.
Now aged 33, Purvis has been accused of 'intentionally distributing' a drug called Tranq, a combination of xylazine and fentanyl.
The alleged victim is a 37-year-old man named John Mark Harris, who was reportedly found dead from an overdose at his home in Rome, Italy, by police officers on February 17.
Upon attending the scene, cops said they saw 'possible drug paraphernalia.'
Consequently, a warrant was issued for Purvis's arrest, accusing her of supplying Tranq to Harris.
Now, records obtained by TMZ state that she was detained earlier today by sheriff's deputies in Floyd County, Georgia.
As well as the involuntary manslaughter charge, Purvis was also arrested on two other drug charges, one being possession with intent to distribute.
It comes after Purvis was found to have left a comment on Harris's online obituary, apologising for missing his funeral.
Describing the late chef as a graduate of Darlington School and a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity during his time at Hampden-Sydney College, his obituary read: 'John Mark never met a stranger and had a way of caring for those who crossed his path.
'Whether it was bandaging a wound, trips to the airport, or a place to lay their heads for a time, he was willing to lend a hand.
'He loved fiercely and would do anything he could for one of his friends.'
His loved ones also left tributes, saying he had the 'most infectious smile' and gave the 'best hugs'.
In her own message, Purvis said: 'John mark, I hate that I found out what happened today and missed your funeral. I wish I could've found out sooner and attended your celebration of life.
'You've came to my rescue on many occasions and saved me over the years. We bonded over being chefs, our love of cooking and our struggles.
'I could tell you anything and you always knew what to say or give me your honest opinion and advice [sic]'.
Harris's mother, Lisa Harris, has also since spoken to TMZ about her son's death, claiming that the family never knew Purvis, failing to understand her so-called close connection to him.
'The whole thing is so heartbreaking,' she said.
Just one month ago, Purvis's son, Weston, died of natural causes at age 16. He was born during his mother's appearance on 16 and Pregnant.
Purvis wrote on social media at the time alongside a photo with her boy: 'Rest in Peace, my baby Weston. I love you forever, precious. I'll never understand why life has to be so cruel. You'll always be my baby.'
While she did not go into detail about what happened, Weston's stepmother, Amy Gosa, said in her own social media post that they tried to wake Weston at 7am that day but couldn't, as he was 'not breathing'. More Trending
After attempting CPR and calling for an ambulance, Weston was pronounced dead upon being taken to a local hospital.
It was noted that he suffered from 'several health issues as well as diabetes'.
Purvis lost custody of Weston and her other son, River, after leaving 16 and Pregnant.
View More »
She has also previously been arrested for shoplifting.
Got a story?
If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: The heartbreaking story behind Jennifer Aniston's latest role as a 'narcissistic mother'
MORE: Dark TV show 'compared to Ozark' soars up Netflix charts
MORE: WWE icon, 49, 'hasn't aged a day' in SmackDown return 25 years after debut

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
16 And Pregnant star Whitney Purvis on suicide watch while in jail over overdose death she's charged for
MTV star Whitney Purvis, who appeared on the reality show 16 And Pregnant, is on suicide watch as she is in prison over a fatal February 17 drug overdose she was formally charged with on Monday. The 33-year-old reality star is being monitored in the Georgia jail where she is being held for involuntary manslaughter according to TMZ on Tuesday. Law enforcement sources for the publication claim that Purvis was medically designated and committed within the jail system after making suicidal comments. The insiders also allege that the reality star is also going through detox as she withdrawals from drug use. This news comes after it was revealed that she had penned an emotional memorial to the man who passed away from the drug overdose. On March 3, Purvis took to the site of the funeral home which handled arrangements for John Mark Harris, a 37-year-old chef who authorities said Purvis provided deadly drugs to that led to his tragic end. 'John mark, I hate that I found out what happened today and missed your funeral,' Purvis wrote on the Henderson & Sons Funeral Home site. 'I wish I could've found out sooner and attended your celebration of life.' The MTV star posted the message more than three months before she was arrested Monday in Floyd County, Georgia in connection with with involuntary manslaughter and distribution of a controlled substance, among other felony counts, TMZ reported Monday. Purvis 'distributed a substance presented as "Tranq," commonly known as Xylazine and Fentanyl, to the victim, which directly contributed in the victim's death due to a toxic overdose,' law enforcement officials said in an arrest affidavit reviewed by People. It's been an awful year for Purvis, who would later pen an emotional memorial for her son Weston following his death at the age of 16 on June 2; Daily Mail has reached out to Purvis via Instagram for further comment on this story. Purvis thanked her late confidante 'for being such a great friend to me and always making me feel beautiful and cared for.' Purvis said that her late friend had been a dear one, as they grew close over their passion for cooking: 'We bonded over being chefs, our love of cooking and our struggle.' Harris had been employed as a chef at Barnsley Gardens, a popular North Georgia resort. She praised Harris for his candor and intelligence in their interactions over the years. Purvis penned an emotional statement in memory of her late friend - whose death she was subsequently charged in 'I could tell you anything and you always knew what to say or give me your honest opinion and advice,' Purvis said. The MTV alum added 'You've came to my rescue on many occasions and saved me over the years. 'I am so very thankful for the times we had together.' Purvis - who's also charged with use of a communication device to commit a felony involving controlled substances - said that she was dealing with serious emotional trauma over the loss of her friend. 'My brain just can't process this happened,' she said. 'I don't want it to be true.' Purvis listed off a number of things she associated with Harris that she would miss in the wake of his passing. 'I'll miss waking up to your silly messages and pictures you'd send me,' she said. 'I'll miss marshal and lunchbox. I'll miss your amazing cooking. 'I'll miss snuggling on the couch watching tv with you. I'll miss sitting outside, smoking camel crush cigs w/ you how we talked about talked about life, gossiping and you telling me what movies/shows I need to watch next.' Purvis characterized her late friend as 'a truly good hearted, one of a kind man' who she would 'never forget.' Purvis, who has more than 17,500 followers on Instagram, wrapped up in saying: '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.' Whitney has been arrested a number of times before. In 2015 she landed in jail after allegedly attacking ex-boyfriend, and father of her two sons, Weston Gosa, with a broom handle Following the death of her son last month, Purvis spoke on social media about how she was understandably struggling in the wake of her child's unexpected passing. 'This is so hard to write,' Purvis said. 'My beautiful son, Weston has passed away. He was only 16 years old. Life is so cruel and unfair. I just dont understand. 'Oh my baby is gone and I don't know what to do with myself. He was so perfect. This is really my worst nightmare come true. 'How do you go on in life after losing a child?' Purvis said she was 'in disbelief,' thinking that 'this cannot be happening' and that she didn't 'want it to be real.' She added of her late son: 'I love you so much, Weston Owen Gosa. I would do anything just to hold him. Words just can't describe the pain I am feeling. '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.


Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Truth behind Cardi B and Stefon Diggs split rumors revealed with fans convinced couple are over
Cardi B and Stefon Diggs are still together despite rumors of the couple going their separate ways, according to reports. The NFL star shared a video on his YouTube channel on Tuesday which shows him working out alongside his rapper girlfriend, who had appeared to remove photos of them together from her Instagram over the weekend. Yet according to TMZ, Cardi and Stefon have not split up and remain together, with the former even lashing out at the reports on X. She wrote: 'Go to dinner, go shopping, go to the park... Get off the internet... ENOUGH!!' More to follow.


Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Former hockey player punches rival golfer and throws him into a lake during brutal on-course fight
Former NHL enforcer Nick Tarnasky was involved in a brutal golf-course fight where he punched a rival several times and pushed him into a lake last week. The confrontation between Tarnasky and his friends and the rival group is already hated by the time the video starts, with the former Florida Panther appearing to be upset with how long the opposing group is taking to play. Canadian police responded to report of an intoxicated person instigating fights at Alberta Springs Golf Resort in Red Deer, which appears to be the person taking exception with Tarnasky. By the time police arrived, the person in question was gone, with no arrests or further investigation taking place, per TMZ. The alleged drunk Canadian endured quite a lot before leaving the property. In what could have been a scene out of the show 'Letterkenny' with several Canadians yelling at each other before fighting, Tarnasky and the rival jaw at each other for a minute before the former NHLer gets charged at. The next time we see the duo fighting, Tarnasky has chucked his opponent into a lake just off the hole both groups wanted to play. ⛳️💧🥊 #WATCH — The full video of the slow play fight that sees one of the slow golfers getting thrown into a pond has emerged 🤣 'You guys can't even stand & tee your ball up' (Via: @Hoonos_Sports) — NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) July 8, 2025 The unidentified rival golfer crawls out of the water to challenge Tarnasky to more of a fight, with his possibly also drunk friend trying to stop the exchange. Tarnasky, 40, lands five solid punches to his rival's head and shoves him to the ground twice before he reportedly drunken golfer walks back up wanting to brawl more. The final move of the fight then takes place with Tarnasky tossing the rival golfer several feet towards the water. At that point, the rival golfer's friend intervenes and stops the brawl, appearing to get his friend back into a golf cart and drive away. The former NHLer has not played in the league since 2010 and spent more time in the American Hockey League. In 486 AHL games, he has 881 penalty minutes. Safe to say those fighting skills came in handy last Friday against an inferior opponent.