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

Breaking News: Paxton City Council Demands Robert Pacey’s Resignation Amid Controversy

In a decisive move, the Paxton City Council has unanimously passed a…

SC State Representative Urges Aiken County Officials to Respond in Detailed Letter

BURNETTOWN, SC. () – A state representative is urging Aiken County officials…

Government Shutdown Delays Announcement of Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment

WASHINGTON – As the government shutdown drags on, it has cast a…

Champaign Firefighters’ Preparedness Leads to Successful Rescue Operation in Apartment Blaze

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Firefighters in Champaign demonstrated their swift emergency response…

Breaking News: Fourth Suspect in DJ Fields’ Murder Case Admits Guilt in Court

In Beaufort County, South Carolina, a significant development has unfolded in the…

Discover D’Angelo’s Musical Journey: A Curated Playlist of Hits and Hidden Gems

LOS ANGELES – D’Angelo, the iconic artist known for seamlessly intertwining the…

Heartfelt Support: Lowcountry Restaurant Steps Up for St. Helena Shooting Victims’ Families

PORT ROYAL, S.C. () — In a heartfelt gesture, a local business…

Chychrun’s Overtime Goal Secures Capitals’ 3-2 Triumph Over Lightning, Marking Third Consecutive Win

In an exhilarating finish, Jakob Chychrun clinched the game for the Washington…