Latest news with #DarlingtonSchool
7NEWS
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Reality TV star Whitney Purvis accused of ‘involuntary manslaughter' in connection to friend's overdose death
Former US reality TV star Whitney Purvis has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection to a fatal overdose of a friend earlier this year, according to a report in Deadline. Purvis, who rose to fame on MTV's hit show 16 And Pregnant, is being held at Floyd County Jail near Rome, Georgia, in connection with the death of John Mark Harris. According to the report, Purvis is accused of distributing a combination of fentanyl and xylazine — known as 'tranq' — that led to Harris' overdose death in February. Purvis is also being charged with distribution of a controlled substance and use of a communication device to commit a felony involving controlled substances. In his obituary, Harris was described as a chef and graduate of the Darlington School in Rome, Georgia. 'John Mark never met a stranger and had a way of caring for those who crossed his path,' his obituary read. '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.' In May, Purvis announced the death of her teenage son, Weston, at age 16. While an official cause of death has not been made public, Weston had battled several medical conditions including diabetes. 'This is so hard to write. My beautiful son, Weston, has passed away. He was only 16 years old,' Purvis wrote on Facebook. 'Life is so cruel and unfair. I just don't 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? 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. '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. Rest in Peace, my angel. You are gone too soon. April 2, 2009 to June 2, 2025.' Weston was born during the first season of 16 And Pregnant. His father Weston Lewis Gosa Sr, who had been Purvis' boyfriend at the time, shared his own heartbreaking tribute. 'You'll forever be my lil boy,' Gosa wrote. 'I'll live the rest of my days with you in my heart. God, I wish this was all just a bad dream. 'You're free now from all the complications you had to deal with for the last six years or so. Fly high baby boy, daddy loves you more than you could have ever known.'
Metro
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
16 and Pregnant star Whitney Purvis arrested for involuntary manslaughter
Whitney Purvis, known for appearing on 16 and Pregnant, has been 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 entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ 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
