Meet Whitney Purvis: 33-Year-Old Arrested On Death Charges, Lost 16-Year-Old Son And More

Whitney Purvis, the 33-year-old former MTV reality star, first appeared in the first season of 16 and Pregnant, an American reality TV series. For the unversed, the series featured the stories of teenage girls in high school, facing unplanned pregnancies and dealing with the hardships of teenage pregnancies. Whitney was 16 years old and was pregnant, when she appeared on the show in 2009.

However, the 16 and Pregnant fame has been arrested on July 7, 2025, in Georgia on death charges. In June 2025, Whitney lost her eldest son, Weston Jr., who was just 16 years old. Whitney welcomed her first child, Weston Jr., with her ex-boyfriend, Weston Gesos. The 33-year-old mother of two sons has faced several challenges throughout her life. So, without further ado, let’s jump in to know more about Whitney.

Whitney Purvis gets arrested for drug overdose

The 33-year-old Whitney Purvis has landed in big trouble after being accused of killing an adult man, John Mark Harris. The 16 and Pregnant star was booked on a charge of involuntary manslaughter. Whitney was arrested on July 7, 2025, in Rome, Georgia. The star is currently being held at the Floyd County Jail near Rome, Georgia, with no bond. According to multiple reports, John died on February 16, 2025, after ingesting Tranq, a combination of Fentanyl and Xylazine. Now, as per police reports, Whitney was accused of distributing the drug combination of Fentanyl and Xylazine, whose overdose led to John’s death. The news of the arrest of the 16 and Pregnant fame comes just a month after the tragic demise of her eldest son, Weston Jr., who was just 16 years old.

Whitney Purvis' personal losses: From grandmother’s demise to eldest son’s tragic death within 6-month gap

On June 23, 2025, Whitney wrote a heartwrenching note on her Facebook and shared how two tragic events took an emotional toll on her. In the long note, Whitney mentioned that her grandmother, who had been featured on the TV reality show, 16 and Pregnant, passed away earlier this year in 2025. The star shared how her grandmother raised her, and thus, losing her felt like losing her mother. Whitney went on to share how another tragic death within just a 6-month gap has made her heartbroken. It was the death of her eldest son, Weston Jr., who died on June 2, 2025.

On June 3, 2025, the TV reality star announced her son, Weston Jr.'s sudden death. Sharing an emotional note on Facebook, Whitney stated that the tragic death of her son was her worst nightmare, which came true. Along with the note, she also attached some adorable pictures of her with her son. The emotional note can be read as:

"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. 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 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. 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. April 2, 2009 - June 2, 2025."

Whitney Purvis loses child custody

According to court documents obtained by The US Sun, Whitney’s two sons, Weston Jr. and River, were living with their grandmother before the custody was officially transferred to their father, Weston Gosa. Although, the reason behind Weston Gosa owning the official custody is not known, it was transferred to him on April 30, 2018. Whitney was ordered to pay a monthly amount of USD 353 in child support and was given visitation rights every weekend to meet her sons. However, things turned worse, when Whitney was arrested in 2021. According to a report by Distractify, the TV reality star was accused of sending death threats to her ex-boyfriend, Weston Gosa.

Later in 2024, she was again arrested. As per a report by Hindustan Times, the 16 and Pregnant star was arrested as she failed to pay an amount of USD 18,000 in child support for her two sons. She was found guilty by a judge in contempt of court and thus had to spend 48 hours in jail. Whitney was also ordered to pay additional monthly payments. These ugly legal battles ultimately led to Whitney losing child custody.

Whitney Purvis' personal life

When Whitney Purvis appeared on the MTV reality show, 16 and Pregnant, back in 2009, she introduced her ex-boyfriend, Weston Gosa. During that time, the couple was expecting their first child. On April 2, 2009, the duo welcomed their first child, a son, Weston Owen Gosa. Whitney’s ex, Weston, used to live with her and her grandmother, when she was pregnant and was expecting their first child. However, after two years, their relationship hit a rough patch and the couple split in 2011. Later, the duo reconciled and welcomed their second child, a son, River. However, things turned sour again, and the couple called it quits.

What are your thoughts on Whitney Purvis's recent arrest? Let us know.

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