Whitney Purvis of MTV’s 16 and Pregnant Announces Tragic Death of 16-Year-Old Son

Whitney Purvis, who gained national attention as one of the original cast members of MTV’s 16 and Pregnant, has shared heartbreaking news with the public: her son, Weston Owen Gosa Jr., has died at the age of 16. The tragic announcement came in an emotional Facebook post on June 2, where Purvis poured out her grief and disbelief.

“This is so hard to write. My beautiful son, Weston, has passed away,” Purvis wrote. “He was only 16 years old. Life is so cruel and unfair. I just don’t understand.”

According to reports from the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia, Weston was found unresponsive at his home early Monday morning. His stepmother, Amy Gosa, called 911 and attempted CPR until emergency responders arrived. He was later pronounced dead at the local hospital. The official cause of death has not yet been determined and will be confirmed pending autopsy results.

The tragedy has deeply affected the family, especially given Weston’s known history of medical issues. In a public statement, Amy Gosa clarified that Weston had multiple chronic health conditions, including type 1 diabetes, Addison’s disease, and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency—a rare disorder that can affect the lungs and liver.

“There are rumors going around, and it’s hurtful,” Gosa said in response to unfounded speculation about drug involvement. “This child had health issues. He had a good day, he went to bed—and never woke up. He didn’t deserve this.”

Purvis shared touching memories of her son, whom she described as intelligent, funny, and full of love. She recounted their close bond and how proud she was of the young man he was becoming.

“I love you so much, Weston Owen Gosa. You are my heart. I was so proud of you,” she wrote. “You were my best friend. My first true love. My first real heartbreak.”

Weston was born on April 2, 2009, and his birth was documented in the first season of MTV’s 16 and Pregnant. The show followed Purvis’s life as a teen mother and offered a raw look at the challenges she faced at just 16 years old. Over the years, Purvis’s life took several difficult turns. She eventually lost custody of Weston and his younger brother, River. Most recently, she made headlines in 2024 after being arrested for failing to pay child support, a charge that she publicly disputed.

Despite their ups and downs, Purvis made it clear that her love for her son never wavered. Her social media posts in the days following his death are filled with memories, photos, and expressions of deep sorrow.

A fundraising campaign has been launched by the family to help with funeral expenses. They have requested privacy as they grieve and navigate the devastating loss.

Weston’s passing marks a sobering moment for fans of the show and a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life, particularly for those who have grown up in the public eye.