16 and Pregnant star Whitney Purvis on suicide watch after arrest in overdose case, weeks after teenage son’s death

Whitney Purvis, known for her appearance on MTV’s 16 and Pregnant, has reportedly been placed on suicide watch while in custody. The 33-year-old reality star is currently being held in a Georgia jail after being arrested on Sunday in connection with the overdose death of John Mark Harris. The news comes just weeks after Purvis mourned the loss of her teenage son, Weston Jr., in June.



According to a report from TMZ, Purvis was medically designated within the jail system after making suicidal statements. She is also said to be undergoing drug detox. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that jail staff acted after hearing disturbing comments from Purvis, leading to increased monitoring. Her emotional state and recent personal losses have raised serious concerns about her well-being behind bars.


Whitney Purvis was arrested on Sunday, July 7, 2025, in Floyd County, Georgia. She was charged with involuntary manslaughter, distribution of a controlled substance, and using a communication device to commit a felony. Authorities allege that she provided the drug "tranq"—a "dangerous combination of fentanyl and xylazine—that contributed to the fatal overdose of John Mark Harris.

Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Atlanta Division, confirmed her arrest in a statement: “DEA Atlanta and local law enforcement arrested Whitney Purvis in Floyd County, GA, on charges of involuntary manslaughter due to fentanyl poisoning. This investigation is ongoing.”

TMZ noted that Purvis had written a heartfelt tribute to Harris following his death, sharing memories and expressing her grief over losing someone she described as a caring, supportive friend.


Purvis first gained public attention in 2009 when she appeared on season one of MTV’s 16 and Pregnant. Her episode followed her journey as a teenage mother navigating life with her then-boyfriend, Weston Sr. and their baby, Weston Jr. In 2014, she gave birth to a second son, River, also with Weston Sr.

In June 2025, tragedy struck when her son Weston Jr. died unexpectedly. TMZ reported that the cause of death was ruled as natural causes. Days after his death, the reality star shared a heartbreaking post on her Instagram account in memory of her baby boy. Purvis had previously lost custody of both sons and, in 2023, was reportedly arrested for failure to pay child support.



Her story, once known for youthful struggle and resilience, has turned into one marked by heartbreak, addiction, and loss. As she sits in jail awaiting further legal proceedings, many are reflecting on how drastically her life has changed since her reality TV debut.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.