16 And Pregnant star arrested on accusations of supplying illicit drug that caused a fatal overdose
According to online records, obtained by TMZ, the former reality star, 33, was brought into police custody in Floyd County, Georgia, on Monday.
She is being accused of 'intentionally distributing' a drug called Tranq, which is a mixture of xylazine and fentanyl.
The victim is a 37-year-old man named John Mark Harris, who was most recently employed as a chef at Barnsley Gardens.
FOX 5 Atlanta reported that police officers found Harris dead from an overdose after arriving at his home in Rome on February 17.
At the scene, cops described 'seeing possible drug paraphernalia'. The outlet claims a 'warrant for Purvis's arrest accuses her of supplying Harris with' Tranq.
Harris's obituary described him as a graduate of Darlington School and a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity during his time at Hampden-Sydney College.
It read: 'John Mark never met a stranger and had a way of caring for those who crossed his path. 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.'
His loved ones also described him as giving the 'best hugs' and having the 'most infectious smile'.
Under the post, Purvis left a heartfelt message and an apology for missing his funeral.
She wrote: '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.
'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.'
Purvis went on to state she was thankful for the time they had together, before admitting she was having difficulty processing the loss.
She added: '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.
'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 is not her first brush with the law. Purvis has been previously arrested for shoplifting and contempt of court related to child support payments.
Her arrest comes just one month after she announced the tragic passing of her son Weston Jr, who was just 16.
She wrote on Facebook: '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.'
The boy's stepmother Amy Gosa shared on Facebook that day that 'we got up this morning around 7am and tried to wake him up, he was not breathing'.
She noted he 'had several health issues as well as diabetes'.
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