Former '16 and Pregnant' star Whitney Purvis charged in man's death
Share and Follow

ROME, Ga. (NEXSTAR) — 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.

ROME, GEORGIA – JULY 07: 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, Georgia. (Photo by Floyd County Sheriff’s Office via Getty Images)

The arrest is tied to the February death of a man named John Mark Harris.

“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,” Harris’ obituary reads. “He loved fiercely and would do anything he could for one of his friends.”

An arrest warrant accuses Purvis of giving Harris a combination of xylazine and fentanyl known as “Tranq” that led to an overdose, according to TMZ.

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.”

The arrest comes a month after Purvis, who appeared on the reality show “16 and Pregnant” in 2009, lost her eldest son Weston Jr. on June 2 when he died of natural causes, according to Deadline.

In a Facebook post, Purvis said Weston Jr. suffered from diabetes, Addison’s disease and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and alleged that he wasn’t receiving proper medical care. Before his death, the teen had been living with his father, who has reportedly denied Purvis’ claims.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Belgium's King Albert, 91, undergoes cancer treatment for sixth time

Belgium’s King Albert, aged 91, receiving cancer treatment for the sixth time

King Albert II of Belgium has kickstarted cancer treatment for the sixth…
Mexico sends firefighters, search personnel to help flood victims in Texas

Mexico dispatches firefighters and search teams to aid flood victims in Texas

SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has sent a…
Tourist who missed Norwegian cruise ship discovered dead on mountain trail in Alaska

Tourist who missed Norwegian cruise ship discovered dead on mountain trail in Alaska

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A tourist who went…
Ryan Lochte goes Instagram-official with new woman amid divorce from Kayla Rae Reid
Ryan Lochte appears to have moved on romantically amid his divorce from…
Denise Richards' husband Aaron Phypers 'files for divorce'

Aaron Phypers initiates divorce proceedings with Denise Richards

Denise Richards’s husband Aaron Phypers has filed for divorce after six years…
Top Democrat Hakeem Jeffries mocked after getting busted in Photoshop fail

Hakeem Jeffries, a prominent Democrat, faces ridicule for Photoshop blunder

Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has been criticized for sharing a…
Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide, did not have client list: DOJ memo

Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide, did not have client list: DOJ memo

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! This story discusses suicide.…
Mets can finally use ideal starting rotation to end first half

The Mets can now use their best starting pitchers to finish the first half of the season

Carlos Mendoza remained cautiously optimistic on Sunday, hesitant to get too excited…