Whitney Purvis, best known for her appearance on MTV’s 16 and Pregnant, was arrested on July 7 in Floyd County, Georgia, on suspicion of felony involuntary manslaughter. The arrest comes just one month after the tragic death of her 16-year-old son, Weston.
In addition to the manslaughter charge, Purvis faces accusations of distributing a controlled substance and using a communication device in the commission of a related felony. According to arrest records obtained by PEOPLE, authorities allege that her actions directly contributed to a fatal overdose.
Purvis Accused in Overdose Death Amid Heartbreak of Losing Her Teenage Son
Legal documents obtained by PEOPLE reveal that the alleged victim in the case is John M. Harris. Purvis is accused of distributing a drug mixture involving Xylazine (also known as “Tranq”) and Fentanyl to Harris, leading to his fatal overdose. The affidavit suggests that this combination of substances caused a toxic reaction, resulting in Harris’s death.
His obituary paints a picture of a kind-hearted man who was known for his generosity and compassion toward others, making the incident even more tragic for those who knew him.
Former ’16 and Pregnant’ Star Whitney Purvis Arrested for Manslaughter After Son’s Tragic DeathThe arrest adds another devastating chapter to an already grief-stricken period in Purvis’ life. On June 2, just a month before her arrest, she shared the heartbreaking news of her son Weston’s passing on Facebook. Describing the loss as her “worst nightmare come true,” Purvis expressed deep sorrow and confusion over his sudden death. Her emotional tribute highlighted the profound love she had for Weston and her struggle to come to terms with his absence.
Purvis Struggles With Grief Amid Legal Troubles and Son’s Lifelong Health Battles
In a follow-up interview with PEOPLE, Purvis spoke candidly about the overwhelming grief she’s experiencing. She described being unable to focus, crying constantly, and feeling hopeless about the future. “I just can’t even imagine a future now,” she said through tears. The combination of personal loss and legal troubles has left her in a state of deep emotional distress, and she expressed that she was still in disbelief over Weston’s passing.
Weston had faced numerous health challenges throughout his life, adding to the heartbreak surrounding his death. Purvis revealed that he was born with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and later diagnosed with Addison’s disease and diabetes. These conditions caused Weston significant physical and emotional pain.
He struggled with accepting his diabetes diagnosis, often expressing frustration about having to manage it at such a young age. His health struggles and premature death have deeply impacted Purvis and her family, making the recent developments all the more painful.