Whitney Purvis, best known from MTV’s 16 & Pregnant, is grieving an unimaginable loss. Her son, Weston Owen Gosa Jr., whom audiences first met as a newborn during the show’s premiere season in 2009, has died at just 16 years old.
“This is so hard to write”
In a heartbreaking Facebook post shared shortly after his passing, Purvis announced the devastating news to her followers. “This is so hard to write,” she began, expressing disbelief and sorrow. “My beautiful son, Weston has passed away. He was only 16 years old. Life is so cruel and unfair. I just don’t understand.”
Purvis, who was 17 when she gave birth to Weston, went on to describe the depth of her grief and the shock she’s experiencing. She referred to the tragedy as her “worst nightmare come true,” adding, “Oh my baby is gone and I don’t know what to do with myself.”
In the emotional tribute, Purvis reflected on her son’s life and character. “He was so perfect,” she wrote. “I would do anything just to hold him. Words just can’t describe the pain I am feeling.” She described Weston as the center of her world, saying, “You are my heart. I was so proud of the young man you were becoming. I just can’t go on without you.”
Purvis concluded the post with a loving farewell: “Rest in peace, my angel. You are gone too soon. April 2, 2009 – June 2, 2025.”
A “brilliant, smart, funny” young man
Weston was pronounced dead the morning of June 2, 2025, in Gordon County, Georgia. His stepmother, Amy Gosa, also took to Facebook to share details of the tragedy. According to her, Weston was found unresponsive around 7 a.m. Despite immediate efforts to resuscitate him and emergency medical attention, he could not be saved.
In her own message, Amy described Weston as a “brilliant, smart, funny” young man with so much promise. She noted that he had been dealing with multiple health issues, including diabetes and Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency—a rare genetic condition that can affect the lungs and liver. “It was so unexpected,” she wrote. “Losing a child is the most painful thing I have ever experienced.”
Amy said that Weston’s death has left the entire family in shock. She said, “Please keep our family and Whitney in your thoughts and prayers as we mourn such a brilliant amazing life.”
As of now, the official cause of death has not been released. An autopsy has been ordered, but no results have been made public.
“16 & Pregnant” documented Weston’s birth
Purvis appeared on 16 & Pregnant in 2009, where she documented her pregnancy and the early days of motherhood with Weston’s father, Weston Gosa Sr. The couple later had another son, River, in 2014, but ultimately separated. In recent years, Purvis faced several legal and personal challenges, including losing custody of her sons and a 2024 arrest for unpaid child support.
Despite these difficulties, she continued to express deep love and pride for her children on social media. Her tribute to Weston echoes that enduring bond and the unimaginable grief of losing a child so young.
Weston is the first child featured on 16 & Pregnant known to have died. His passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans of the show and those touched by Purvis’ raw and honest post.
As the family awaits answers, they ask for privacy during this painful time. Tributes continue to pour in for Weston, remembered not only as the baby fans watched grow up on TV, but as a “kind soul with so much potential,” as one comment said.
Published: Jun 3, 2025 12:47 pm