Whitney Purvis, Former ’16 and Pregnant’ Star, Arrested for Involuntary Manslaughter One Month After Son’s Tragic Death
Whitney Purvis, known for her appearance on MTV’s 16 and Pregnant, is facing serious legal trouble just weeks after the heartbreaking death of her teenage son, Weston. The 33-year-old was arrested on Monday, July 7, in Floyd County, Georgia, and charged with felony involuntary manslaughter, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and use of a communication facility to commit or facilitate a felony involving controlled substances.
The arrest follows a tragic announcement Purvis made in early June, revealing that her 16-year-old son Weston Owen Gosa had passed away. At the time, she described her grief as unbearable, calling the loss her “worst nightmare come true.”
According to arrest affidavits obtained by GorgeousTrends, Purvis is accused of distributing a substance believed to be ‘Tranq’ — a street name for the dangerous combination of Xylazine and Fentanyl — to a man identified as John M. Harris, who later died from a toxic overdose. The legal documents state that the substances allegedly provided by Purvis directly contributed to his death.
John Mark Harris, the victim, was remembered fondly in his obituary as someone with a “huge heart,” always ready to lend a hand, whether it was giving someone a place to stay or just offering comfort. “John Mark gave the best hugs and had the most infectious smile most had ever seen,” the obituary read. “He loved entertaining and the goal of his gatherings was to spend quality time and strengthen relationships.”
The timing of Purvis’ arrest is especially devastating, as it comes one month after she announced Weston’s passing in a deeply emotional Facebook post on June 2.
“This is so hard to write. My beautiful son, Weston, has passed away. He was only 16 years old,” she wrote. “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,” she continued. “How do you go on in life after losing a child? I’m in disbelief. I don’t want it to be real… 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. Rest in Peace, my angel. You are gone too soon. April 2, 2009 – June 2, 2025.”
Speaking exclusively with GorgeousTrends, Purvis shared the depths of her grief, revealing that her daily life has been consumed by sadness and disbelief.
“I can’t distract myself,” she said tearfully. “It’s going through my mind constantly. I hate to even pick up my phone.”
“When I’m not crying, I’m just staring at the ceiling,” she added. “I never wanted to go through something like this. I know no one does, but you never think it’ll happen to you. I just can’t even imagine a future now. I can’t imagine going on after this.”
Purvis also spoke about Weston’s health struggles, explaining that he battled several chronic conditions throughout his young life.
“He had a lot of medical problems, more than what a kid should go through,” she explained. “He was born with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency when he was a baby, but then when he got older, he was diagnosed with Addison’s disease, and then that’s what brought out the diabetes.”
“He hated having diabetes, and he hated the needles. He would cry and ask, ‘Why did that have to happen to him? Why did he have to have diabetes?’” she said. “It was just something hard for him to accept.”
At this time, GorgeousTrends has not received a response from Purvis or her legal representation regarding the arrest.
