'16 And Pregnant' Star Whitney Purvis Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter

Whitney, who is now 33 years old, was arrested in Georgia and is currently being held without the option for bond at the Floyd County Jail, located near Rome, Georgia, according to Deadline.

Law enforcement reports allege that she distributed a mixture of fentanyl and xylazine also referred to as Tranq which resulted in the overdose death of a man named John Mark Harris back in February.

Whitney Purvis has been arrested. Floyd County Sheriff’s Office via Getty Images

In addition to the manslaughter charge, she is also facing two more counts connected to the distribution of controlled substances.

When authorities arrived on the scene, they noted "seeing possible drug paraphernalia.". A warrant later claimed that Purvis was the one who provided Harris with the deadly Tranq dose, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.

"John Mark never met a stranger and had a way of caring for those who crossed his path." Harris’ obituary stated. "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. John."

Purvis was a star on 16 and Pregnant. Whitney Purvis / Facebook

Purvis wrote a heartfelt tribute beneath a social media post honoring Harris, reflecting on their bond and expressing sadness over not being able to attend his funeral. This was reported by the Daily Mail.

"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." she wrote. "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."

"I don't want it to be true. I'll miss waking up to your silly messages and pictures you'd send me. I'll miss your amazing cooking. I'll miss snuggling on the couch watching TV with you."

She continued her message with: "Most of all, I'll miss you, a truly good hearted & one of a kind man, John Mark. I'll never forget you. 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."

This arrest comes not long after Purvis had shared the heartbreaking news of her 16-year-old son Weston Jr.’s passing. He was the child she had given birth to during her appearance on MTV’s 16 & Pregnant back in 2009.

Whitney Purvis' son Weston sadly passed away. Whitney Purvis/Facebook

Whitney gave birth to Weston Jr. during the first season of 16 and Pregnant, when she was dating Weston Lewis Gosa Sr. The pair later had another child, a son named River, in 2014, but eventually ended their relationship.

Since then, Whitney lost custody of both of her children. In 2024, she was arrested for failing to pay court-ordered child support. Her former partner, Weston Sr., has also had his share of legal problems, including being arrested several times for driving without a valid license.

Back in 2012, both Whitney and Weston Sr. were also arrested together after being accused of damaging electronics.

At the time of his passing, Weston Jr. had been living with his father. Reports say his death was caused by natural circumstances. However, Whitney claimed on Facebook that her son wasn’t receiving proper medical care, even though he had serious conditions like diabetes, Addison’s disease, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Those claims have been denied by Weston Sr.