Whitney Purvis, star of the reality show “16 and Pregnant,” announced via social media that her son, Weston Gosa Jr., passed away on Monday, June 2, at the age of 16. The news has deeply shocked fans of the influencer, who expressed being devastated by the tragedy. But what happened to Whitney Purvis’s son? Here’s what we know so far.
What did Whitney Purvis’s son die of?
As of now, the cause of death has not been officially disclosed. However, Amy Gosa, Weston’s stepmother, shared in a Facebook post that on Monday around 7 a.m., they tried to wake the teenager but discovered he wasn’t breathing. They immediately performed CPR and called for emergency medical assistance.
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When paramedics arrived at the Gosa residence, they attempted to resuscitate him and rushed him to Gordon County Hospital, where he was ultimately pronounced dead. According to the family, Weston had several health issues, including diabetes, which could have contributed to his passing. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
After her son’s passing, Whitney Purvis honored his memory by posting several photos along with a heartfelt message describing the pain of losing him:
“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. I just don’t understand. Oh my baby is gone and I don’t know what to do with myself. He was so perfect. This is really my worst nightmare come true. How do you go on in life after losing a child? I’m in disbelief, this cannot be happening. I don’t want it to be real,” she wrote.
Who is Whitney Purvis?
Whitney Purvis rose to prominence in 2009 when she appeared in the first season of MTV’s reality series 16 and Pregnant. Her episode chronicled her journey as a teen mom, highlighting her pregnancy at age 16 and the birth of her first son, Weston Owen Gosa Jr., on April 2, 2009. At the time, she was living with her grandmother in Georgia, while her own mother was also pregnant, which led to ongoing family tension.
Whitney’s romantic life has been tumultuous. She had an on-and-off relationship with Weston Gosa Sr. After an initial separation, they reunited and welcomed their second son, River Blake Gosa, on October 14, 2014. However, their reconciliation was short-lived, and they eventually separated again.
Over the years, Whitney faced various personal and legal struggles. In 2024, she was arrested for failing to pay child support. This incident added to a record that included prior charges of shoplifting and assault. As a result, she lost custody of both Weston and River.
How does diabetes affect teenagers?
According to her family, Whitney Purvis’s son had been diagnosed with diabetes, a chronic condition that can significantly impact adolescent health. Diabetes requires constant monitoring of blood sugar levels and presents serious short- and long-term risks.
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In the short term, teens with diabetes may experience hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar) and diabetic ketoacidosis, a severe complication that can be life-threatening without immediate medical attention and proper management.
Over time, poorly managed diabetes can lead to more severe health issues such as cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision problems. Beyond physical effects, the condition can take a toll on mental health. Adolescents with diabetes may struggle with isolation, anxiety, eating disorders, and depression due to the continuous demands of self-care.
Additionally, diabetes can hinder physical and social development, making it harder for teens to connect with peers and impacting their self-esteem. In extreme or unmanaged cases, the risk of life-threatening complications and even death increases significantly.
