Who is Whitney Purvis?
Whitney Blake Purvis was born in 1992 in Georgia, United States. She gained national attention at the age of 16 when she appeared on the fifth episode of MTV’s 16 and Pregnant Season 1, which aired in 2009. The show documented her pregnancy with her son Weston Owen Gosa Jr., born via C-section on April 2, 2009, and highlighted the challenges of teenage motherhood, including financial strain and relationship dynamics with her then-boyfriend, Weston Lewis Gosa Sr.
Whitney Purvis Age
As of July 8, 2025, Whitney Purvis is 33 years old, having been born in 1992.
Whitney Purvis Husband and Relationship
Whitney Purvis’ primary relationship during her time on 16 and Pregnant was with Weston Lewis Gosa Sr., her then-boyfriend and the father of her two sons. Their relationship was tumultuous, marked by an on-and-off dynamic. They split permanently in 2014 after having two children together. There is no public record indicating that Whitney Purvis has been married, so she does not have a husband as of the latest available information.
- Relationship Timeline:
- 2008–2009: Whitney and Weston Sr. were together during her pregnancy with Weston Jr., as shown on 16 and Pregnant.
- 2014: The couple welcomed their second son, River, but split permanently that year.
- Post-2014: Whitney has kept her personal relationships private, with no confirmed reports of a current partner or marriage.
- An unverified Instagram account suggests she may have welcomed a third son in 2023, but the father’s identity is not publicly known.
Whitney Purvis Family
Whitney’s family has been central to her story, both on 16 and Pregnant and in subsequent years. She has faced significant personal losses and challenges within her family structure.
- Children:
- Weston Owen Gosa Jr.: Born April 2, 2009, died June 2, 2025, at age 16.
- River Gosa: Born in 2014, currently around 11 years old.
- Possible third son (unverified, reported in 2023 via Instagram).
- Ex-Partner: Weston Lewis Gosa Sr., father of Weston Jr. and River. Whitney lost custody of both sons to Weston Sr., reportedly due to financial and personal struggles.
- Grandmother: Whitney’s grandmother, who appeared on 16 and Pregnant, passed away in late 2024 or early 2025, adding to her recent losses. She described her grandmother as a mother figure who raised her.
- Co-Parenting Conflicts: Whitney has publicly accused Weston Sr. of neglecting their son’s medical needs and blocking her from attending Weston Jr.’s funeral, claims he has denied.
Whitney Purvis Son Death
The death of Whitney Purvis’ son, Weston Owen Gosa Jr., on June 2, 2025, at the age of 16, marked a devastating chapter in her life. Whitney announced the tragedy on Facebook, writing, “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.” She described the loss as her “worst nightmare come true” and expressed profound grief, stating, “I can’t imagine going on after this.”
- Health Issues: Weston Jr. suffered from multiple health conditions, including:
- Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: Diagnosed as a baby.
- Addison’s Disease: Diagnosed later in childhood.
- Diabetes: A condition Whitney noted was difficult for him to accept.
- Cause of Death: Official records state Weston Jr. died of natural causes, though an autopsy was ordered to determine the exact manner of death. Whitney claimed his death could have been prevented with proper medical care, particularly a glucose monitor for his diabetes, and blamed Weston Sr. for failing to provide health insurance as part of their custody agreement.
- Funeral Controversy: Whitney alleged that Weston Sr. barred her and her family from attending Weston Jr.’s funeral, claiming she was not on the guest list. Weston Sr. countered that she arrived late (after 4:15 p.m.) when the service had already begun and the doors were locked. This dispute added to their strained co-parenting relationship.
Why did Whitney Purvis lose custody of kids?
Whitney Purvis’ net worth is estimated to be between $50,000 and $100,000, though exact figures are unclear due to her limited public financial disclosures. Her income primarily stems from her brief stint on 16 and Pregnant, where cast members reportedly earned thousands per season, and her subsequent work as a chef at Darlington School and Barnsley Resort in Georgia. Her social media showcased her culinary creations for events like bridal brunches. Legal troubles and personal losses may have impacted her financial stability.
Whitney Purvis Crime and Arrest
Whitney Purvis has faced multiple legal issues over the years, with her most serious charges occurring in 2025. Below is a summary of her criminal history and recent arrest:
- Previous Arrests:
- 2012: Arrested alongside Weston Sr. for smashing electronics, a misdemeanor.
- 2021: Arrested for making terroristic threats.
- 2024: Arrested for failing to make child support payments, contributing to her loss of custody of her sons.
- July 2025 Arrest:
- Date: July 7, 2025, in Floyd County, Georgia.
- Charges:
- Felony Involuntary Manslaughter: Accused of distributing a mixture of fentanyl and xylazine (“Tranq”) that caused the death of John Mark Harris, a 37-year-old chef, on February 16, 2025.
- Distribution of a Controlled Substance: Related to the Tranq distribution.
- Use of a Communication Device to Commit a Felony: Involving drug-related activities.
- Details: Authorities allege Whitney supplied Harris with Tranq, leading to his fatal overdose. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating, with Acting Special Agent Jae W. Chung noting that “nearly 70% of all drug-related deaths involve synthetic opioids like fentanyl.” Whitney is being held without bond in the Floyd County Jail’s medical unit.
- Relationship with Victim: Whitney described Harris as a close friend and fellow chef, expressing grief on his online tribute wall. She wrote, “You’ve came to my rescue on many occasions and saved me over the years. We bonded over being chefs, our love of cooking and our struggles.”
Career
After 16 and Pregnant, Whitney maintained a low profile but worked as a chef, showcasing her culinary skills on social media. Her posts highlighted her work at Darlington School and Barnsley Resort, where she prepared food for events. Despite her efforts to rebuild her life, personal and legal challenges have kept her in the headlines.
Key Facts About Whitney Purvis
Category | Details |
---|---|
Age | 33 (born 1992) |
Husband | None (never married, per available records) |
Relationship | Ex-partner: Weston Lewis Gosa Sr. (father of her sons) |
Children | Weston Owen Gosa Jr. (2009–2025), River Gosa (born 2014), possible third son (unverified, 2023) |
Net Worth | Estimated $50,000–$100,000 |
Son’s Death | Weston Jr. died June 2, 2025, at 16, of natural causes; had diabetes, Addison’s disease, and Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency |
Criminal Charges | Involuntary manslaughter, distribution of controlled substances, use of a communication device for felony (July 2025); prior arrests in 2012, 2021, 2024 |
Arrest Date | July 7, 2025, in Floyd County, Georgia |
Career | Former reality TV star (16 and Pregnant), chef at Darlington School and Barnsley Resort |
Current Status
As of July 8, 2025, Whitney Purvis remains in custody without bond at Floyd County Jail, facing serious felony charges. Her arrest follows closely after the tragic loss of her son Weston Jr. and her grandmother, compounding her personal and legal struggles. The ongoing DEA investigation and public attention continue to shape her narrative, with fans of 16 and Pregnant expressing sympathy and concern for her situation.
Whitney Purvis’ life, once defined by her journey as a teen mother on 16 and Pregnant, has been marked by profound challenges, including the loss of her son, legal troubles, and strained family dynamics. Her story reflects the complexities of navigating fame, parenthood, and personal hardship in the public eye. As her legal case unfolds, her future remains uncertain, but her resilience in the face of tragedy continues to resonate with those who have followed her journey.
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