Wondering why Whitney Purvis is back in the headlines? As one of the original faces of MTV’s 16 and Pregnant, Purvis captured national attention as a teen mom navigating young motherhood on reality TV. Now, nearly 15 years later, her life has taken a tragic turn with serious legal consequences following the sudden death of her teenage son.
Here’s what led to her arrest and the ongoing investigation surrounding the case.
What did Whitney Purvis do?
Whitney Purvis, known for her appearance on the first season of MTV’s 16 and Pregnant, was arrested on July 7, 2025, in Floyd County, Georgia. (via TMZ)
According to court records and law enforcement, the 33-year-old is facing multiple charges, including felony involuntary manslaughter, distribution of a controlled substance, and use of a communication device to commit a drug-related crime. She is being held without bond in the jail’s medical unit.
The arrest follows the death of her 16-year-old son, Weston Owen Gosa Jr., in June. On Facebook, Purvis wrote, “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.” She described Weston’s passing as her “worst nightmare come true.” She also posted, “I would do anything just to hold him. Words just can’t describe the pain I am feeling.”
According to the affidavit of arrest obtained by People, Purvis allegedly distributed a mixture of fentanyl and xylazine, commonly referred to as “Tranq” which directly caused a fatal overdose. The affidavit names John M. Harris as the victim. His obituary described him as someone who “loved fiercely and would do anything he could for one of his friends.”
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Atlanta Field Division, confirmed the DEA is investigating the incident. “Today, 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,” Chung stated.
He also noted, “Nearly 70% of all drug-related deaths involve synthetic opioids, like fentanyl. Two milligrams of fentanyl is a potentially deadly dose.” Further details on Purvis’ case are pending.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on ComingSoon.net.
