Whitney Purvis’ last social media posts before her shocking arrest showcase a woman trying to balance both grief and motherhood.
On July 1, the 16 and Pregnant alum posted a painting she made in hopes of feeling more like herself.
“Some art therapy,” Purvis, 33, wrote via Instagram at the time. “#blackcat #catart #painting #artoftheday #arttherapy #crafts #copingskills.”
One week prior, Purvis offered a glimpse into her grief as she paid tribute to her 16-year-old son, Weston, who unexpectedly died in June. (Purvis shares Weston and River, 11, with ex Weston Gosa Sr. She also welcomed Collin Adonis in 2023, but hasn’t revealed the identity of the baby’s father.)
In a social media post, the former reality star shared a poem from Sara Rian’s book, Then Death Came.
“Over and over, I move from, ‘I can’t believe you’re gone’ to, ‘I hope you exist in some way somewhere’ to, ‘Please let me find you again wherever you are,’” the poem read. “There could be minutes, hours, days in between, but I always step from one stone to the next in this cycle of missing you.”
Purvis also included a collage of photos with her oldest son, including memories of trips to Wendy’s and Walmart.
Whitney Purvis and son Weston Courtesy of Whitney Purvis / Instagram
On Monday, July 7, Us Weekly confirmed that Purvis was arrested and booked in a Georgia jail in connection with the overdose death of John Mark Harris. She was charged with felony involuntary manslaughter, distribution of a controlled substance and use of a communication device to commit a felony involving controlled substances.
According to authorities, Purvis allegedly gave Harris the narcotics that contributed to his overdose death.
Days before getting arrested, Purvis celebrated the 4th of July holiday by posting photos of her youngest son.
“Collin’s fav place to go, Catch air w/ his friend ZolaMae,” Purvis wrote via Facebook with photo memories from the indoor play center, Catch Air, in Georgia. “I’m tired is an understatement. Bonus: the last few pics are throwbacks of Weston & River at Catch air when I took them for River’s 4th birthday.”
Purvis appeared on the first season of MTV’s 16 and Pregnant and allowed cameras to document the birth of her son Weston in April 2009.
Although she didn’t continue with the franchise and appear on Teen Mom, Purvis made headlines in June when she lost her son. Weston Sr. later confirmed to TMZ that his son’s cause of death was ruled as “natural causes.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).