Latest news with #Tranq
5 days ago
'16 and Pregnant' alum Whitney Purvis arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter
Whitney Purvis, who was featured on MTV's 2009 documentary series "16 and Pregnant," was arrested Monday on a felony warrant for involuntary manslaughter. The 33-year-old was taken into custody and was also charged on two drug-related counts, use of communication device in commission of a felony involving controlled substances and manufacturing, delivering, distributing administering, selling, or possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance, according to court documents. She was denied bond. An arrest affidavit obtained by ABC News accuses Purvis of committing involuntary manslaughter in Floyd County, Georgia, on Feb. 16, 2025, by allegedly illegally distributing drugs to a victim who later died. The affidavit alleges Purvis "intentionally 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." The victim's name is listed in the affidavit as John Mark Harris. ABC News reached out to Purvis for comment but did not immediately hear back. "16 and Pregnant" debuted on MTV in 2009 and featured several stories of struggles and perseverance related to teen pregnancy. Purvis appeared in an episode of the show, which followed her and her then-boyfriend Weston Lewis Gosa as they navigated life as expectant teen parents -- including their financial struggles, social isolation and schooling -- and attempted to move out of her grandmother's home. Purvis welcomed her son, Weston Owen Gosa Jr., in April 2009. Just over one month ago, on June 2, Purvis took to social media to share that Weston had died at the age of 16. "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 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 wrote at the time. "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 added. Purvis has since posted on social media several times since announcing her son's death, including sharing several photos of their time together.
Daily Mail
6 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'.
6 days ago
Former '16 and Pregnant' star charged in man's overdose death
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. Whitney Purvis, 33, was being held without bond in the Floyd County Jail in Rome, Georgia, about 65 miles (105 kilometers) 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.'
Winnipeg Free Press
6 days ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Former '16 and Pregnant' star charged in man's overdose death
ROME, Ga. (AP) — 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. Whitney Purvis, 33, was being held without bond in the Floyd County Jail in Rome, Georgia, about 65 miles (105 kilometers) 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.'
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Whitney Purvis Arrest: A look at 16 and Pregnant star's tragic events in life
Whitney Purvis , known from MTV's 16 and Pregnant , was arrested on July 7, 2025, in Georgia. She faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and distributing controlled substances. The arrest follows personal losses, including the deaths of her son and grandmother. 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Lai Hung: Repossessed Houses For Sale At Prices That May Surprise You Foreclosed Homes | Search ads Search Now 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.' Also Read: Texas Flooding Live Updates: This is the reason why Kerr County didn't have a flood warning system. All details here Live Events 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.' Also Read: Texas Floods: How to help in search and rescue efforts and where to make donations? Details here 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.
