Why was Whitney Purvis Arrested?
Whitney Purvis, 33, is being held without bond at the Floyd County Jail near Rome, Georgia. She has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and two counts related to the distribution of controlled substances.
Authorities allege that Purvis distributed a combination of fentanyl and xylazine, a drug mixture also known as “Tranq.” This combination is reportedly responsible for the fatal overdose of John Mark Harris in February. The charge was confirmed by both TMZ and Us Weekly.
Drug Overdose Victim
According to arrest documents, John Mark Harris was the victim of the overdose. The cause of death was linked to the toxic mixture of fentanyl and xylazine, allegedly distributed by Purvis. The victim’s mother spoke to TMZ and expressed her grief, stating, “I feel sorry for her — not because she got arrested, but because her life got to a point of dealing drugs.”
Purvis’ Recent Personal Losses
The arrest comes shortly after the death of Purvis’ 16-year-old son, Weston Jr., who died of natural causes in June. The boy was living with his father, Weston Gosa, at the time. Purvis publicly stated that her son lacked proper medical care for conditions like diabetes, Addison’s disease, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Gosa denied these claims.On June 23, Purvis shared on Facebook that her grandmother, who had been featured on 16 and Pregnant, had also passed away recently. In her emotional post, Purvis reflected on losing both her grandmother and son within six months.Purvis shared her grief online, writing, “When my memaw passed life just felt like something is always missing. She raised me so it was like losing my mom.” Speaking of her son, she added, “When my son passed life felt like time stood still.”
She also acknowledged her ongoing responsibilities, saying, “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.”
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Past Legal and Personal Struggles
In 2024, Purvis reportedly lost custody of both her sons and was arrested for failing to make child support payments. Her relationship with Weston Gosa Sr., the father of both sons, ended years ago.
Purvis gained attention in 2009 through 16 and Pregnant, documenting the birth of Weston Jr. She did not appear in spinoffs like Teen Mom.
Culinary Career and Online Presence
In recent years, Purvis worked as a chef at Darlington School and Barnsley Resort in Georgia. Her social media often featured her food creations for events like bridal brunches. Despite her legal troubles and personal losses, she continued to share updates online.
FAQs
Why was Whitney Purvis arrested in July 2025?
Whitney Purvis was arrested for involuntary manslaughter and distributing a fentanyl-xylazine mixture that led to a man’s overdose death in February 2025.
What happened to Whitney Purvis’ son Weston Jr.?
Weston Jr. died of natural causes in June 2025. He was living with his father at the time, and his mother later shared her grief on Facebook.
