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16 & Pregnant star Whitney Purvis granted bond in man's fatal overdose she's charged in
16 & Pregnant star Whitney Purvis granted bond in man's fatal overdose she's charged in

Daily Mail​

time5 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • Daily Mail​

16 & Pregnant star Whitney Purvis granted bond in man's fatal overdose she's charged in

MTV star Whitney Purvis has been granted a bond of $15,000 by a Georgia court Thursday in connection with her involuntary manslaughter arrest in her friend's fatal overdose. It was not immediately clear if Purvis will be able to make bond, insiders told TMZ, who first reported news she had been granted bond in the case. Purvis, 33, who appeared on the MTV reality show 16 and Pregnant, was arrested earlier this month in connection with the fatal February 17 drug overdose of her friend John Mark Harris at 37. Authorities said the reality star, 33, provided him with the narcotics that led to his tragic end. As conditional to her bond, the court demands that Purvis keep a 7 p.m. to 7 p.m. curfew; stay at a residence in Bartow County, Georgia named by the court; and refrain from consuming drugs or alcohol, TMZ reported. Purvis is not permitted under her terms of release to initiate contact with any members of the family of the victim, the outlet reported after reviewing legal docs. Purvis on March 3 took to the site of the funeral home which handled arrangements for John Mark Harris, and penned a memorial in his honor. 'John mark, I hate that I found out what happened today and missed your funeral,' Purvis wrote on the Henderson & Sons Funeral Home site. She continued: '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 July 7. 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.' Purvis penned an emotional statement in memory of her late friend - whose death she was subsequently charged in 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. '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 17,800 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.' 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. Rest in Peace, my angel. You are gone too soon. April 2, 2009 - June 2, 2025.'

EXCLUSIVE Family of man who 'overdosed on drugs supplied by' 16 & Pregnant star Whitney Purvis issues heartbreaking statement
EXCLUSIVE Family of man who 'overdosed on drugs supplied by' 16 & Pregnant star Whitney Purvis issues heartbreaking statement

Daily Mail​

time09-07-2025

  • Daily Mail​

EXCLUSIVE Family of man who 'overdosed on drugs supplied by' 16 & Pregnant star Whitney Purvis issues heartbreaking statement

The family of a man who fatally overdosed after allegedly being supplied drugs by embattled 16 and Pregnant star Whitney Purvis has broken their silence in the wake of her shock arrest. Purvis, 33, was taken into custody in Floyd County, Georgia, on June 7 and charged with felony involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of John Mark Harris, 37, who suffered a fatal overdose in February. She was also charged with two counts related to disturbing controlled substances. Authorities have accused Purvis of distributing 'Tranq', a combination of fentanyl and xylazine, that was allegedly taken by Harris before his death, arrest documents show. Purvis remains held without bond. Law enforcement sources told TMZ on Tuesday that she has been placed on suicide watch after voicing intentions to harm herself and is also undergoing detox from drug use In a statement to the Harris family thanked the detectives who snared Purvis and detailed their heartache over their son's death. 'We want to express our appreciation to all those members of law enforcement who have participated in the investigation of the case involving our beloved son, John Mark Harris, which resulted in this arrest,' wrote the family. 'As a family, our grief and our loss is beyond measure. We take this moment to thank all of our friends for their prayers and expressions of support. Thank you.' Purvis has not yet entered a plea. Messages seeking comment sent to her family have so far gone unanswered. Her attorney, Brian McWhorter, declined to comment. On Tuesday, revealed that, back in March, Purvis had penned a lengthy and emotional tribute to Harris on a memorial page set up by his family. In her message, dated March 3, Purvis wrote: '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.' Purvis went on to thank Harris for 'being such a great friend to me and always making me feel beautiful and cared for,' adding that they bonded over a passion for cooking and their shared but unspecified struggles. Before his death, Harris was employed as a chef at Barnsley Gardens, which is a popular resort in North Georgia. A lawyer for the Harris family declined to comment on the nature of his relationship with Purvis or confirm how the pair first met. 'The family will make no other statement at this time,' said Bob Finnell. In her tribute to Harris, Purvis praised his candor and intelligence and reminisced about their time spent 'snuggling' on a couch together. 'I could tell you anything and you always knew what to say or give me your honest opinion and advice,' Purvis said. '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 added: 'My brain just can't process this happened. I don't want it to be true. '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.' The tribute ended with the MTV alum sharing her condolences to Harris' family and friends. Purvis' arrest on Monday came just one month after the death of her 16-year-old son, Weston Jr, who passed suddenly on June 2. A cause of death for the boy was not disclosed, but the family shared Weston suffered from multiple health issues, including diabetes. The teen was discovered unresponsive in his bed. The family and paramedics attempted CPR, but tragically he could not be revived. '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,' Purvis wrote Surveillance footage from his father's home showed the boy getting up repeatedly during the night prior and struggling to sleep, the family told PEOPLE. Purvis, who has two other children, shared in a statement on Facebook at the time that she was struggling to come to terms with the loss of her son. '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,' she said. Weston was born in April 2009 during the first season of MTV's 16 and Pregnant, to Purvis' then-boyfriend, Weston Lewis Gosa Sr. While the show ultimately spawned MTV's Teen Mom franchise, Purvis was one of just two moms not picked to appear in that show, along with Ebony Jackson. Purvis gave birth to her second son, River, in 2014, just before she and Gosa Sr. separated. She later lost custody of both sons, and she was arrested last year for failing to make child support payments. Purvis has been arrested on numerous other occasions. In 2015, she landed in jail after allegedly attacking Gosa Sr. with a broom handle. She later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanour battery charge. In a post on June 23, Purvis revealed that she also recently lost her grandmother, Ivy 'Celia' Burkhalter, who was featured prominently in Purvis' episode of 16 and Pregnant. An online obituary for Burkhalter says she died on October 21, 2024, aged 71. 'Losing both of you within 6 months of each other feels like torture,' Purvis wrote in her post. 'When my memaw passed life just felt like something is always missing. She raised me so it was like losing my mom. I eventually found peace with it in a sense that she isn't suffering any more. When my son passed life felt like time stood still.' 'I have two more sons that still need me. As much I feel life has no purpose now, I have to find the courage to get out of bed and face another day for them which is challenging. 'I hope with time it gets easier, but for now I'm just existing for them and not for myself.' A court date for Purvis has not yet been set.

16 and Pregnant star Whitney Purvis on suicide watch after arrest in overdose case, weeks after teenage son's death
16 and Pregnant star Whitney Purvis on suicide watch after arrest in overdose case, weeks after teenage son's death

Time of India

time09-07-2025

  • 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.

16 And Pregnant star Whitney Purvis on suicide watch while in jail over overdose death she's charged for
16 And Pregnant star Whitney Purvis on suicide watch while in jail over overdose death she's charged for

Daily Mail​

time08-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • 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.

Former '16 and Pregnant' star charged in man's overdose death
Former '16 and Pregnant' star charged in man's overdose death

Toronto Sun

time08-07-2025

  • 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

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