Former reality television personality whitney Blake <a href="https://news.quantosei.com/2025/07/07/former-16-and-pregnant-star-charged-in-mans-overdose-death/” title=”'16 & Pregnant' Star Charged in Fatal Overdose”>purvis, known for her appearance on MTV’s “16 and Pregnant,” has been arrested in Georgia. Authorities took Purvis, now 33, into custody on serious felony charges. These charges stem from an alleged incident earlier this year.
Purvis is accused of providing drugs that led to a man’s death from a toxic overdose. This development comes just over a month after the tragic death of her own 16-year-old son. The arrest adds another difficult chapter to Purvis’s life, which has been marked by public struggles and legal issues since her time on the popular reality show.
Serious Charges Following Overdose Death
Whitney Purvis faces multiple felony charges in Floyd County, Georgia. The most significant is felony involuntary manslaughter. This charge is directly linked to the death of a man identified in court records as John Mark Harris.
The fatal incident reportedly occurred on the night of February 16. It took place at a residence located in Rome, Georgia. According to details in an arrest warrant affidavit, Purvis is alleged to have provided Harris with a dangerous drug mixture. This mixture was composed of xylazine and fentanyl.
Understanding the Substance Involved: “Tranq”
The combination of xylazine and fentanyl is commonly known by the street name “Tranq.” Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid. It is significantly more potent than morphine. Just two milligrams can be a potentially deadly dose. Xylazine is an FDA-approved sedative. However, its use is limited to veterinary purposes.
When mixed, these substances pose extreme risks. Xylazine can dangerously lower heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. Combining it with fentanyl, a respiratory depressant, exponentially increases the danger of overdose and death. The arrest warrant explicitly states that the administration of this mixture by Purvis “directly contributed in the victim’s death due to a toxic overdose.” While the warrant accuses Purvis of providing the drugs, it notes she did so “without intent to cause” the victim’s death. This distinction is relevant to the involuntary manslaughter charge she faces.
Additional Felony and Misdemeanor Charges
Beyond the involuntary manslaughter count, court records list further charges against Purvis. She faces a felony count related to the distribution of a controlled substance. She is also charged with a misdemeanor count. This misdemeanor involves the use of a communication device to commit a felony. These charges reflect the severity of the allegations surrounding the incident and the drugs involved.
Purvis was taken into custody on a Monday in Floyd County. Online jail records confirm her incarceration. She is currently being held without bond at the Floyd County Jail in Rome. Rome is located about 65 miles northwest of Atlanta. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was involved in the arrest. Local police officers also participated. The DEA has confirmed its involvement. They stated that the investigation into John Mark Harris’s death remains active and ongoing.
A History of Public Struggles and Legal Troubles
Whitney Purvis was a participant in the inaugural season of “16 and Pregnant.” The show first aired in 2009. Her storyline documented her pregnancy and the birth of her son, Weston Gosa Jr. Since her time on the show, Purvis has faced numerous challenges. These include relationship difficulties and frequent encounters with the legal system.
Her history of arrests is extensive. In 2015, she was arrested for criminal trespassing and aggravated assault. This incident allegedly involved her breaking into her ex-partner Weston Gosa Sr.’s home. She was accused of assaulting him with a broom during that event. In 2018, police questioned her for allegedly threatening him via text. The following year, in 2019, she faced charges for criminal trespassing again. This was reportedly after destroying property with her ex. That same year, she was arrested for misdemeanor theft by shoplifting at a Walmart, allegedly attempting to steal a pregnancy test.
More recently, in 2022, Purvis was charged with making felony terroristic threats and acts. These charges were reportedly directed at Weston Gosa Sr. In 2024, she was arrested for failing to pay child support. Court records indicated she owed nearly $20,000. A judge ordered her to serve 48 hours in jail for this failure.
Personal Tragedy Precedes Arrest
This latest arrest follows a deeply personal tragedy for Purvis. Approximately one month before her detention, her 16-year-old son, Weston Gosa Jr., passed away. Weston Jr. was the child featured on “16 and Pregnant.” His death occurred in early June. Purvis announced the news publicly. She described it as her “worst nightmare come true.”
At the time of his death, Weston Jr. was living with his father and stepmother. Purvis had reportedly lost custody of both sons she shared with Weston Gosa Sr. She had also spoken publicly about difficulties co-parenting. She claimed her ex withheld access to their children. An autopsy was ordered for Weston Jr. His stepmother reported he had several health issues, including diabetes. She stated he was found unresponsive in the morning. His death was unexpected.
Adding to the grief, Purvis publicly alleged she was excluded from her son’s funeral service. She claimed her ex gave her incorrect information. This prevented her from saying goodbye. Her ex disputed this account. This public dispute highlighted the ongoing tension and complex family dynamics surrounding their children.
The current charges Whitney Purvis faces are severe. They carry significant potential legal consequences. Her arrest underscores the devastating impact of the opioid crisis in communities. It also highlights the continued struggles faced by some individuals who rose to prominence on reality television years ago. As this is a developing legal case, further details are expected to emerge as court proceedings advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Tranq” and why is it considered dangerous?
“Tranq” is a street name for a dangerous drug combination. It typically contains fentanyl and xylazine. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid. It can cause severe respiratory depression. Xylazine is a veterinary sedative. It is not approved for human use. When combined, they create a potent mixture. This mix can cause extremely low heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. It significantly increases the risk of fatal overdose. Authorities have highlighted that even a tiny amount can be deadly.
Where was Whitney Purvis arrested and is she still in custody?
Whitney Purvis was arrested in Floyd County, Georgia. The specific city where she was taken into custody is Rome, Georgia. She is currently being held in the Floyd County Jail. According to recent reports, she is being held without bond. This indicates she remains in custody while awaiting further legal proceedings related to the charges she faces.
What is Whitney Purvis’s history with the law besides the current charges?
Whitney Purvis has a documented history of legal issues spanning several years. Records indicate multiple past arrests. These include charges for criminal trespassing and aggravated assault in 2015. She also faced charges for making terroristic threats in 2022. In 2024, she was arrested for failing to pay child support. Other past incidents include shoplifting and criminal trespassing/property destruction. This history reflects ongoing challenges she has faced since appearing on “16 and Pregnant.”
