Latest news with #JohnMarkHarris
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Family of man who 'overdosed on drugs supplied by' 16 & Pregnant star Whitney Purvis issues heartbreaking statement
The family of a man who fatally overdosed after allegedly being supplied drugs by embattled 16 and Pregnant star Whitney Purvis has broken their silence in the wake of her shock arrest. Purvis, 33, was taken into custody in Floyd County, Georgia, on June 7 and charged with felony involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of John Mark Harris, 37, who suffered a fatal overdose in February. She was also charged with two counts related to disturbing controlled substances. Authorities have accused Purvis of distributing 'Tranq', a combination of fentanyl and xylazine, that was allegedly taken by Harris before his death, arrest documents show. Purvis remains held without bond. Law enforcement sources told TMZ on Tuesday that she has been placed on suicide watch after voicing intentions to harm herself and is also undergoing detox from drug use In a statement to the Harris family thanked the detectives who snared Purvis and detailed their heartache over their son's death. 'We want to express our appreciation to all those members of law enforcement who have participated in the investigation of the case involving our beloved son, John Mark Harris, which resulted in this arrest,' wrote the family. 'As a family, our grief and our loss is beyond measure. We take this moment to thank all of our friends for their prayers and expressions of support. Thank you.' Purvis has not yet entered a plea. Messages seeking comment sent to her family have so far gone unanswered. Her attorney, Brian McWhorter, declined to comment. On Tuesday, revealed that, back in March, Purvis had penned a lengthy and emotional tribute to Harris on a memorial page set up by his family. In her message, dated March 3, Purvis 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.' Purvis went on to thank Harris for 'being such a great friend to me and always making me feel beautiful and cared for,' adding that they bonded over a passion for cooking and their shared but unspecified struggles. Before his death, Harris was employed as a chef at Barnsley Gardens, which is a popular resort in North Georgia. A lawyer for the Harris family declined to comment on the nature of his relationship with Purvis or confirm how the pair first met. 'The family will make no other statement at this time,' said Bob Finnell. In her tribute to Harris, Purvis praised his candor and intelligence and reminisced about their time spent 'snuggling' on a couch together. 'I could tell you anything and you always knew what to say or give me your honest opinion and advice,' Purvis said. 'You've came to my rescue on many occasions and saved me over the years. I am so very thankful for the times we had together.' Purvis added: 'My brain just can't process this happened. I don't want it to be true. 'I'll miss snuggling on the couch watching tv with you. I'll miss sitting outside, smoking camel crush cigs w/ you how we talked about talked about life, gossiping and you telling me what movies/shows I need to watch next.' The tribute ended with the MTV alum sharing her condolences to Harris' family and friends. Purvis' arrest on Monday came just one month after the death of her 16-year-old son, Weston Jr, who passed suddenly on June 2. A cause of death for the boy was not disclosed, but the family shared Weston suffered from multiple health issues, including diabetes. The teen was discovered unresponsive in his bed. The family and paramedics attempted CPR, but tragically he could not be revived. '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,' Purvis wrote Surveillance footage from his father's home showed the boy getting up repeatedly during the night prior and struggling to sleep, the family told PEOPLE. Purvis, who has two other children, shared in a statement on Facebook at the time that she was struggling to come to terms with the loss of her son. '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. I would do anything just to hold him. Words just can't describe the pain I am feeling,' she said. Weston was born in April 2009 during the first season of MTV's 16 and Pregnant, to Purvis' then-boyfriend, Weston Lewis Gosa Sr. While the show ultimately spawned MTV's Teen Mom franchise, Purvis was one of just two moms not picked to appear in that show, along with Ebony Jackson. Purvis gave birth to her second son, River, in 2014, just before she and Gosa Sr. separated. She later lost custody of both sons, and she was arrested last year for failing to make child support payments. Purvis has been arrested on numerous other occasions. In 2015, she landed in jail after allegedly attacking Gosa Sr. with a broom handle. She later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanour battery charge. In a post on June 23, Purvis revealed that she also recently lost her grandmother, Ivy 'Celia' Burkhalter, who was featured prominently in Purvis' episode of 16 and Pregnant. An online obituary for Burkhalter says she died on October 21, 2024, aged 71. 'Losing both of you within 6 months of each other feels like torture,' Purvis wrote in her post. 'When my memaw passed life just felt like something is always missing. She raised me so it was like losing my mom. I eventually found peace with it in a sense that she isn't suffering any more. When my son passed life felt like time stood still.' '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 which is challenging. 'I hope with time it gets easier, but for now I'm just existing for them and not for myself.' A court date for Purvis has not yet been set.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
16 And Pregnant star Whitney Purvis on suicide watch while in jail over overdose death she's charged for
MTV star Whitney Purvis, who appeared on the reality show 16 And Pregnant, is on suicide watch as she is in prison over a fatal February 17 drug overdose she was formally charged with on Monday. The 33-year-old reality star is being monitored in the Georgia jail where she is being held for involuntary manslaughter according to TMZ on Tuesday. Law enforcement sources for the publication claim that Purvis was medically designated and committed within the jail system after making suicidal comments. The insiders also allege that the reality star is also going through detox as she withdrawals from drug use. This news comes after it was revealed that she had penned an emotional memorial to the man who passed away from the drug overdose. On March 3, Purvis took to the site of the funeral home which handled arrangements for John Mark Harris, a 37-year-old chef who authorities said Purvis provided deadly drugs to that led to his tragic end. 'John mark, I hate that I found out what happened today and missed your funeral,' Purvis wrote on the Henderson & Sons Funeral Home site. 'I wish I could've found out sooner and attended your celebration of life.' The MTV star posted the message more than three months before she was arrested Monday in Floyd County, Georgia in connection with with involuntary manslaughter and distribution of a controlled substance, among other felony counts, TMZ reported Monday. Purvis 'distributed a substance presented as "Tranq," commonly known as Xylazine and Fentanyl, to the victim, which directly contributed in the victim's death due to a toxic overdose,' law enforcement officials said in an arrest affidavit reviewed by People. It's been an awful year for Purvis, who would later pen an emotional memorial for her son Weston following his death at the age of 16 on June 2; Daily Mail has reached out to Purvis via Instagram for further comment on this story. Purvis thanked her late confidante 'for being such a great friend to me and always making me feel beautiful and cared for.' Purvis said that her late friend had been a dear one, as they grew close over their passion for cooking: 'We bonded over being chefs, our love of cooking and our struggle.' Harris had been employed as a chef at Barnsley Gardens, a popular North Georgia resort. She praised Harris for his candor and intelligence in their interactions over the years. Purvis penned an emotional statement in memory of her late friend - whose death she was subsequently charged in 'I could tell you anything and you always knew what to say or give me your honest opinion and advice,' Purvis said. The MTV alum added 'You've came to my rescue on many occasions and saved me over the years. 'I am so very thankful for the times we had together.' Purvis - who's also charged with use of a communication device to commit a felony involving controlled substances - said that she was dealing with serious emotional trauma over the loss of her friend. 'My brain just can't process this happened,' she said. 'I don't want it to be true.' Purvis listed off a number of things she associated with Harris that she would miss in the wake of his passing. 'I'll miss waking up to your silly messages and pictures you'd send me,' she said. 'I'll miss marshal and lunchbox. I'll miss your amazing cooking. 'I'll miss snuggling on the couch watching tv with you. I'll miss sitting outside, smoking camel crush cigs w/ you how we talked about talked about life, gossiping and you telling me what movies/shows I need to watch next.' Purvis characterized her late friend as 'a truly good hearted, one of a kind man' who she would 'never forget.' Purvis, who has more than 17,500 followers on Instagram, wrapped up in saying: '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.' Whitney has been arrested a number of times before. In 2015 she landed in jail after allegedly attacking ex-boyfriend, and father of her two sons, Weston Gosa, with a broom handle Following the death of her son last month, Purvis spoke on social media about how she was understandably struggling in the wake of her child's unexpected passing. 'This is so hard to write,' Purvis said. 'My beautiful son, Weston has passed away. He was only 16 years old. Life is so cruel and unfair. I just dont understand. 'Oh my baby is gone and I don't know what to do with myself. He was so perfect. This is really my worst nightmare come true. 'How do you go on in life after losing a child?' Purvis said she was 'in disbelief,' thinking that 'this cannot be happening' and that she didn't 'want it to be real.' She added of her late son: 'I love you so much, Weston Owen Gosa. I would do anything just to hold him. Words just can't describe the pain I am feeling. 'God, I love you so much. You are my heart. I was so proud of the young man you were becoming. I just can't go on without you.
Toronto Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Former '16 and Pregnant' star charged in man's overdose death
Published Jul 08, 2025 • 1 minute read In this handout photo provided by the Floyd County Sheriff's Office, former "16 & Pregnant" TV personality Whitney Purvis is seen in a police booking photo after being arrested for felony involuntary manslaughter involving a fatal overdose on July 7, 2025 in Rome, Ga. Photo by Floyd County Sheriff's Office / Getty Images Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. ROME, Ga. — A woman who appeared on MTV's '16 and Pregnant' was arrested Monday in Georgia on charges including involuntary manslaughter related to a man's death by fentanyl poisoning earlier this year. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Whitney Purvis, 33, was being held without bond in the Floyd County Jail in Rome, Georgia, about 65 miles (105 kilometres) northwest of Atlanta, according to online jail records. Online records did not indicate whether she had an attorney who could comment the charges. WAGA-TV reported that police records say that officers went to a home in Rome on Feb. 16 and found John Mark Harris dead from an overdose. Officers saw possible drug paraphernalia at the scene. An arrest warrant accuses Purvis of giving Harris a combination of xylazine and fentanyl known as 'Tranq' that led to an overdose, the television station reported. Purvis was arrested by the Drug Enforcement Administration and local officers, according to a statement from the federal agency. The investigation is ongoing, the DEA said. 'DEA reminds the public that nearly 70% of all drug-related deaths involve synthetic opioids, like fentanyl,' said Jae Chung, DEA acting special agent in charge of the Atlanta office. 'Two milligrams of fentanyl is a potentially deadly dose.' Canada Sunshine Girls Toronto Blue Jays Canada Sunshine Girls
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Daily Mail
16 And Pregnant star arrested on accusations of supplying illicit drug that caused a fatal overdose
16 And Pregnant star Whitney Purvis has reportedly been arrested for felony involuntary manslaughter involving 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'.
News.com.au
08-07-2025
- News.com.au
16 and Pregnant star Whitney Purvis arrested one month after son's death
16 and Pregnant star Whitney Purvis has been arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter following a fatal overdose. New York Post can confirm that Purvis, 33, was booked in Floyd County, Georgia, on Monday, July 7. Purvis was charged with aggravated involuntary manslaughter, distribution of a controlled substance and use of a communication device to commit a felony involving controlled substances, according to documents obtained by New York Post. The involuntary manslaughter charge is related to Purvis' alleged distribution of a drug called tranq, which is a mix of fentanyl and xylazine, reported TMZ. Law enforcement sources told the outlet that Purvis allegedly supplied the victim, John Mark Harris, with the tranq that led to his overdose death on February 17. The Statement of Criminal Charges connected to Purvis' arrest and obtained by The Post alleged that the former reality star committed the offences the previous day. It was also revealed that the 16 and Pregnant star left a lengthy comment on Harris' obituary page days after his death. She thanked Harris for 'being such a great friend' and 'always making me feel beautiful.' 'John mark, I hate that I found out what happened today and missed your funeral,' Purvis wrote on March 3. 'I wish I could've found out sooner and attended your celebration of life. thank you for being such a great friend to me and always making me feel beautiful and cared for.' 'Rest in peace and my condolences to your family and friends,' she added in the message. 'I pray they are able to find some kind of comfort during this tragic time. I love you forever, John Mark.' The Post reached out to MTV for comment. Purvis' arrest and charges come just weeks after her 16-year-old son, Weston, suddenly passed away. The former MTV star announced the shocking news on June 2. '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,' she wrote on Facebook at the time. 'Oh my baby is gone and I don't know what to do with myself,' Purvis said. 'He was so perfect. This is really my worst nightmare come true. How do you go on in life after losing a child?' She welcomed Weston with her ex, Weston Gosa, in April 2009. The pair welcomed another son, River, in 2014, but split shortly after. Meanwhile, Purvis was allegedly denied entry to her son's funeral last month because she reportedly arrived late to the service. She took to Facebook shortly after to blame her ex for their son's death, saying that it 'could've been prevented.' 'My son had diabetes, Addison's disease, and alpha one anti-trypsin deficiency, and he had no medical insurance,' she wrote on June 18. 'But he had a life insurance policy taken out on him. His dad bought five cars in the last six months but couldn't pay for medical insurance.' 'He brags about how much money he has and has the nerve to make a GoFundMe to help bury him when he was just going to cremate him anyway because it was the cheapest, plus he had the life insurance policy,' she added. 'His death could've been prevented.'
