NEED TO KNOW
Whitney Purvis is facing legal trouble one month after her son Weston’s death.
The 16 and Pregnant alum, 33, was arrested on suspicion of felony involuntary manslaughter in Floyd County, Georgia, on Monday, July 7, according to records viewed by PEOPLE.
She was also charged with distribution of a controlled substance and use of a communication device to commit a felony involving controlled substances.
Purvis did not immediately return PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Floyd County Sheriff’s Office
According to the affidavit for arrest obtained by PEOPLE, Purvis allegedly “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 statement of Criminal Charges and Affidavit of Arrest, also obtained by PEOPLE, indicates John M. Harris is the alleged victim.
“John Mark never met a stranger and had a way of caring for those who crossed his path,” his obituary read. “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 Mark gave the best hugs and had the most infectious smile most had ever seen. He loved entertaining and the goal of his gatherings was to spend quality time and strengthening the relationships with his friends.”
TMZ was first to report the news of Purvis’ arrest.
Henderson & Sons Funeral Home
Purvis’ arrest comes one month after the reality star announced the death of her son Weston on Monday, June 2, in a Facebook post. He was 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,” her announcement began.
“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. I don’t want it to be real,” she wrote. “I would do anything just to hold him. Words just can’t describe the pain I am feeling.”
She continued, “I love you so much, Weston Owen Gosa. God, I love you so much. You are my heart. I was so proud of the young man you were becoming. I just can’t go on without you. Rest in Peace, my angel. You are gone too soon. April 2, 2009 – June 2, 2025.”
While speaking exclusively with PEOPLE about Weston’s death, she opened up about her grief following the loss.
“I can’t distract myself,” she shared at the time. “It’s going through my mind constantly. I hate to even pick up my phone.”
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“When I’m not crying, I’m just staring at the ceiling,” she added through tears. “I never wanted to go through something like this. I mean, I know no one does, but you never think it’ll happen to you, and I just can’t even imagine a future now. I can’t imagine going on after this.”
Courtesy of Whitney Purvis
She also noted that her son had more health issues than “what a kid should go through” prior to his death.
“He had a lot of medical problems, more than what a kid should go through,” said Purvis, who shares her two children with ex Weston Gosa Sr. “He was born with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency when he was a baby, but then when he got older, he was diagnosed with Addison’s disease, and then that’s what brought out the diabetes.”
“He hated having diabetes, and he hated the needles. He would cry and ask, ‘Why did that have to happen to him? Why did he have to have diabetes?'” she continued. “It was just something hard for him to accept.”
