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Whitney Purvis’ life in the spotlight has been filled with highs and lows.
When she was a teenager, Purvis appeared on the first season of MTV’s 16 and Pregnant. As part of the show, the high school student allowed cameras to document the birth of her son, Weston, in April 2009 with ex Weston Gosa Sr.
Although she didn’t appear on the franchise’s spinoffs like Teen Mom, Purvis continued to keep fans updated on her life through social media, including the birth of her second son, River, in 2014.
More than a decade later, Purvis made headlines when she announced the tragic death of her oldest son. She also found herself back in the news when she was arrested in July 2025.
Keep reading to uncover the highs and lows of Purvis’ life through the years.
2009: Whitney Purvis Appears on ‘16 and Pregnant’
In July 2009, Purvis’ episode of 16 and Pregnant premiered on MTV. The Georgia resident allowed cameras to roll as she lived with her boyfriend and grandmother before becoming a mom.
As an added twist, Purvis discovered her own mom was also pregnant at the same time as her.
Whitney did not appear in the network’s spinoff show, Teen Mom. Catelynn Lowell, Maci Bookout, Amber Portwood and Farrah Abraham were also featured in season 1 of 16 and Pregnant.
2014: Whitney Purvis Expands Her Family
In October 2014, Purvis welcomed her second son with Gosa Sr named River Blake. The pair would break up soon after growing their family.
According to TMZ, Purvis eventually lost custody of both of her sons. In 2024, she was reportedly arrested for allegedly failing to make child support payments.
2019: Whitney Purvis’ Love for Cooking Revealed
According to Facebook, Purvis has a gift of cooking and creating beautiful food arrangements. Starting in 2019, she was a chef at Darlington School and the Barnsley Resort in Georgia.
On her Instagram page, Purvis often showcases some of her best food creations for special events, like bridal brunches and other catering events.
June 2025: Whitney Purvis Mourns Death of Her Son
Purvis’ life was forever changed when she announced on June 2 that her 16-year-old son, Weston, had unexpectedly died. (Weston Sr. later confirmed to TMZ that their son’s cause of death was ruled as “natural causes.”
“Life is so cruel and unfair,” she wrote via Facebook. “I just don’t 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? I’m in disbelief, this cannot be happening.”
Purvis claimed she was unable to attend her son’s funeral because of her ex. Weston Sr., however, claimed to TMZ that Purvis was aware of the arrangements but arrived late when the chapel doors were allegedly locked.
July 2025: Whitney Purvis Arrested for Involuntary Manslaughter
Puvis was arrested in Georgia on July 7 for involuntary manslaughter. Us Weekly confirmed that the former reality star was booked and faces charges including possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. (Us reached out to Pulvis for comment at the time. An attorney was not listed as of press time.)
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TMZ reported that the involuntary manslaughter charge is related to allegedly distributing a drug called tranq, a mix of fentanyl and xylazine. The drug allegedly caused the victim — John Mark Harris — to suffer a toxic and ultimately deadly overdose.
“The whole thing is so heartbreaking,” Harris’ mother told TMZ. “I feel sorry for her — not because she got arrested, but because her life got to a point of dealing drugs.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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