‘16 and Pregnant’ Alum Whitney Purvis Charged in Connection with Man’s Overdose Death

Five months after leaving a heartfelt tribute on the obituary page of John Mark Harris, Whitney Purvis has been arrested and charged in connection with his death.

According to a criminal affidavit obtained by PEOPLE, the former 16 and Pregnant cast member was taken into custody on Monday, July 7, in Floyd County, Georgia. Authorities allege that Purvis “distributed a substance presented as ‘Tranq,’ commonly known as a mixture of Xylazine and Fentanyl,” to Harris, which directly contributed to his fatal overdose.

The charges include felony involuntary manslaughter, distribution of a controlled substance, and unlawful use of a communication device in connection with the distribution of drugs.

Harris died on February 17, 2025, at the age of 37. His death is now under investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), according to Acting Special Agent in Charge Jae W. Chung of the DEA’s Atlanta Field Division.

Just weeks after his death, Purvis posted a message on Harris’ online tribute page, expressing her shock and sorrow at the news.

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

In the message, she reflected on their shared love of cooking, their struggles, and the personal bond they built over time.

“I could tell you anything, and you always knew what to say… I’ll miss your silly messages, your amazing cooking, and snuggling on the couch watching TV. Most of all, I’ll miss you—a truly good-hearted and one-of-a-kind man, John Mark.”

Purvis ended her tribute by saying she would “never forget” Harris and extended her condolences to his family and friends during what she called a “tragic time.”

Purvis, now 33, rose to public attention on MTV’s 16 and Pregnant. Her arrest comes just a month after she announced the death of her teenage son, Weston Gosa Jr., in a June 2 Facebook post. She is also the mother of another son, River, whom she shares with her ex, Weston Gosa Sr.

Purvis has not publicly commented on the charges, and it remains unclear if she has retained legal representation.