Whitney Purvis Left Comment on Obituary of Man Whose Death She’s Charged in

Following John Mark Harris’ death in February, Whitney Purvis left a comment in his obituary. Five months later, she was charged in connection with his death.

According to a statement of Criminal Charges and Affidavit of Arrest, obtained by PEOPLE, Purvis was arrested on Monday, July 7, after she 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.”

Purvis was arrested in Floyd County, Ga., on suspicion of felony involuntary manslaughter. The 16 and Pregnant alum was also charged with distribution of a controlled substance and use of a communication device to commit a felony involving controlled substances.

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Harris is the alleged victim, per the affidavit. According to his obituary, he died on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025. He was 37.

Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Atlanta Field Division, confirmed in a statement shared with PEOPLE that the incident is also under investigation by their agency.

Purvis did not immediately return PEOPLE’s previous request for comment.

A celebration of life was held in honor of Harris on Saturday, March 1, per his obituary. Purvis left a comment on his tribute wall on Monday, March 3, expressing that she had just found out about his death and had missed his funeral.

“I wish I could’ve found out sooner and attended your celebration of life. thank you for being such a great friend to me and always making me feel beautiful and cared for. You’ve came to my rescue on many occasions and saved me over the years,” the message read.

Purvis wrote that the two “bonded over being chefs, our love of cooking and our struggles.”

“I could tell you anything and you always knew what to say or give me your honest opinion and advice. I am so very thankful for the times we had together. My brain just can’t process this happened. I don’t want it to be true,” she continued.

The former reality star went on to list things she was going to miss about Harris, including his “silly messages and pictures,” his “amazing cooking,” and “snuggling on the couch watching tv.”

“I’ll miss sitting outside, smoking camel crush cigs w/ you how we talked about talked about life, gossiping and you telling me what movies/shows I need to watch next. Most of all, I’ll miss you, a truly good hearted & one of a kind man, John Mark,” she continued.

The tribute ended with Purvis expressing that she would “never forget” Harris and that she prays that her family and friends “find some kind of comfort during this tragic time.”

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Purvis’ arrest comes a month after she announced the death of her son, Weston Gosa Jr., in a Facebook post on Monday, June 2. The former MTV star is also a mom to son River with ex Weston Gosa Sr.