Latest news with #16andPregnant
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
16 and Pregnant star Whitney Purvis on suicide watch after arrest in overdose case, weeks after teenage son's death
Whitney Purvis, known for her appearance on MTV's 16 and Pregnant, has reportedly been placed on suicide watch while in custody. The 33-year-old reality star is currently being held in a Georgia jail after being arrested on Sunday in connection with the overdose death of John Mark Harris. The news comes just weeks after Purvis mourned the loss of her teenage son, Weston Jr., in June. Whitney Purvis placed on suicide watch, undergoing detox According to a report from TMZ, Purvis was medically designated within the jail system after making suicidal statements. She is also said to be undergoing drug detox. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that jail staff acted after hearing disturbing comments from Purvis, leading to increased monitoring. Her emotional state and recent personal losses have raised serious concerns about her well-being behind bars. Charges against Purvis Whitney Purvis was arrested on Sunday, July 7, 2025, in Floyd County, Georgia. She was charged with involuntary manslaughter, distribution of a controlled substance, and using a communication device to commit a felony. Authorities allege that she provided the drug "tranq"—a "dangerous combination of fentanyl and xylazine—that contributed to the fatal overdose of John Mark Harris. Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA's Atlanta Division, confirmed her arrest in a statement: 'DEA Atlanta and local law enforcement arrested Whitney Purvis in Floyd County, GA, on charges of involuntary manslaughter due to fentanyl poisoning. This investigation is ongoing.' TMZ noted that Purvis had written a heartfelt tribute to Harris following his death, sharing memories and expressing her grief over losing someone she described as a caring, supportive friend. Who is Whitney Purvis? Reality TV star and grieving mother Purvis first gained public attention in 2009 when she appeared on season one of MTV's 16 and Pregnant. Her episode followed her journey as a teenage mother navigating life with her then-boyfriend, Weston Sr. and their baby, Weston Jr. In 2014, she gave birth to a second son, River, also with Weston Sr. In June 2025, tragedy struck when her son Weston Jr. died unexpectedly. TMZ reported that the cause of death was ruled as natural causes. Days after his death, the reality star shared a heartbreaking post on her Instagram account in memory of her baby boy. Purvis had previously lost custody of both sons and, in 2023, was reportedly arrested for failure to pay child support. Her story, once known for youthful struggle and resilience, has turned into one marked by heartbreak, addiction, and loss. As she sits in jail awaiting further legal proceedings, many are reflecting on how drastically her life has changed since her reality TV debut.
08-07-2025
'16 and Pregnant' alum Whitney Purvis arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter
Whitney Purvis, who was featured on MTV's 2009 documentary series "16 and Pregnant," was arrested Monday on a felony warrant for involuntary manslaughter. The 33-year-old was taken into custody and was also charged on two drug-related counts, use of communication device in commission of a felony involving controlled substances and manufacturing, delivering, distributing administering, selling, or possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance, according to court documents. She was denied bond. An arrest affidavit obtained by ABC News accuses Purvis of committing involuntary manslaughter in Floyd County, Georgia, on Feb. 16, 2025, by allegedly illegally distributing drugs to a victim who later died. The affidavit alleges Purvis "intentionally 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." The victim's name is listed in the affidavit as John Mark Harris. ABC News reached out to Purvis for comment but did not immediately hear back. "16 and Pregnant" debuted on MTV in 2009 and featured several stories of struggles and perseverance related to teen pregnancy. Purvis appeared in an episode of the show, which followed her and her then-boyfriend Weston Lewis Gosa as they navigated life as expectant teen parents -- including their financial struggles, social isolation and schooling -- and attempted to move out of her grandmother's home. Purvis welcomed her son, Weston Owen Gosa Jr., in April 2009. Just over one month ago, on June 2, Purvis took to social media to share that Weston had died at the age of 16. "This is so hard to write. 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 wrote at the time. "I'm in disbelief, this cannot be happening. I don't want it to be real. I would do anything just to hold him. Words just can't describe the pain I am feeling," she added. Purvis has since posted on social media several times since announcing her son's death, including sharing several photos of their time together.
Toronto Sun
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Former '16 and Pregnant' star charged in man's overdose death
Published Jul 08, 2025 • 1 minute read In this handout photo provided by the Floyd County Sheriff's Office, former "16 & Pregnant" TV personality Whitney Purvis is seen in a police booking photo after being arrested for felony involuntary manslaughter involving a fatal overdose on July 7, 2025 in Rome, Ga. Photo by Floyd County Sheriff's Office / Getty Images Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. ROME, Ga. — A woman who appeared on MTV's '16 and Pregnant' was arrested Monday in Georgia on charges including involuntary manslaughter related to a man's death by fentanyl poisoning earlier this year. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Whitney Purvis, 33, was being held without bond in the Floyd County Jail in Rome, Georgia, about 65 miles (105 kilometres) northwest of Atlanta, according to online jail records. Online records did not indicate whether she had an attorney who could comment the charges. WAGA-TV reported that police records say that officers went to a home in Rome on Feb. 16 and found John Mark Harris dead from an overdose. Officers saw possible drug paraphernalia at the scene. An arrest warrant accuses Purvis of giving Harris a combination of xylazine and fentanyl known as 'Tranq' that led to an overdose, the television station reported. Purvis was arrested by the Drug Enforcement Administration and local officers, according to a statement from the federal agency. The investigation is ongoing, the DEA said. 'DEA reminds the public that nearly 70% of all drug-related deaths involve synthetic opioids, like fentanyl,' said Jae Chung, DEA acting special agent in charge of the Atlanta office. 'Two milligrams of fentanyl is a potentially deadly dose.' Canada Sunshine Girls Toronto Blue Jays Canada Sunshine Girls
USA Today
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'16 and Pregnant' star Whitney Purvis arrested on involuntary manslaughter charge
A post shared by Whitney Purvis (@nurvispurvis_) "16 and Pregnant" star Whitney Purvis has been arrested in connection with a fatal overdose. The former reality star was arrested Monday, July 7, on an involuntary manslaughter charge, according to Floyd County, Georgia, arrest records viewed by USA TODAY. TMZ was first to report the news. Purvis, 33, was also charged with two felony drug-related charges, including one count alleging she possessed a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and another accusing her of using a phone or other device to commit a drug-related felony. Purvis is being held without bond. Former cast member of MTV's '16 and Pregnant' dies at 27: 'Our world crashed' The arrest comes a month after the death of Purvis' son. Purvis announced that her 16-year-old Weston Gosa Jr. had died on June 2 of unknown causes. She told People at the time that the family requested an autopsy and her son's father, Weston Gosa Sr., noted the teen was seen on house cameras up all night prior. Purvis later shared Weston suffered from "a lot" of medical issues, including Addison's disease and diabetes. Purvis starred in one episode of the MTV series "16 and Pregnant" in 2009. The controversial docuseries, which followed pregnant teen girls and their struggles, ran for six seasons from 2009 to 2014. The show spawned a string of "Teen Mom" reality series.
News.com.au
08-07-2025
- News.com.au
16 and Pregnant star Whitney Purvis arrested one month after son's death
16 and Pregnant star Whitney Purvis has been arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter following a fatal overdose. New York Post can confirm that Purvis, 33, was booked in Floyd County, Georgia, on Monday, July 7. Purvis was charged with aggravated involuntary manslaughter, distribution of a controlled substance and use of a communication device to commit a felony involving controlled substances, according to documents obtained by New York Post. The involuntary manslaughter charge is related to Purvis' alleged distribution of a drug called tranq, which is a mix of fentanyl and xylazine, reported TMZ. Law enforcement sources told the outlet that Purvis allegedly supplied the victim, John Mark Harris, with the tranq that led to his overdose death on February 17. The Statement of Criminal Charges connected to Purvis' arrest and obtained by The Post alleged that the former reality star committed the offences the previous day. It was also revealed that the 16 and Pregnant star left a lengthy comment on Harris' obituary page days after his death. She thanked Harris for 'being such a great friend' and 'always making me feel beautiful.' 'John mark, I hate that I found out what happened today and missed your funeral,' Purvis wrote on March 3. 'I wish I could've found out sooner and attended your celebration of life. thank you for being such a great friend to me and always making me feel beautiful and cared for.' 'Rest in peace and my condolences to your family and friends,' she added in the message. 'I pray they are able to find some kind of comfort during this tragic time. I love you forever, John Mark.' The Post reached out to MTV for comment. Purvis' arrest and charges come just weeks after her 16-year-old son, Weston, suddenly passed away. The former MTV star announced the shocking news on June 2. 'This is so hard to write. My beautiful son, Weston has passed away. He was only 16 years old. Life is so cruel and unfair. I just don't understand,' she wrote on Facebook at the time. 'Oh my baby is gone and I don't know what to do with myself,' Purvis said. 'He was so perfect. This is really my worst nightmare come true. How do you go on in life after losing a child?' She welcomed Weston with her ex, Weston Gosa, in April 2009. The pair welcomed another son, River, in 2014, but split shortly after. Meanwhile, Purvis was allegedly denied entry to her son's funeral last month because she reportedly arrived late to the service. She took to Facebook shortly after to blame her ex for their son's death, saying that it 'could've been prevented.' 'My son had diabetes, Addison's disease, and alpha one anti-trypsin deficiency, and he had no medical insurance,' she wrote on June 18. 'But he had a life insurance policy taken out on him. His dad bought five cars in the last six months but couldn't pay for medical insurance.' 'He brags about how much money he has and has the nerve to make a GoFundMe to help bury him when he was just going to cremate him anyway because it was the cheapest, plus he had the life insurance policy,' she added. 'His death could've been prevented.'
