Trigger Warning: This story contains mentions of child loss.
Weston Gosa Jr.— who was born on the very first season of MTV‘s 16 and Pregnant— has passed away. He was only 16.
Weston’s mother Whitney Purvis— as well as his stepmom Amy Gosa— confirmed the tragic news via Facebook postings on June 2.
Weston Jr.’s cause of death is unknown at this time, but according Amy’s Facebook post, the 16-year-old was discovered Monday morning around 7 a.m. and wasn’t breathing.
“We attempted CPR and called an ambulance. The paramedics attempted it as well and took him to the hospital in Gordon County [Georgia] where he was pronounced dead,” she wrote, adding that Weston Jr. had several health issues including diabetes.
(During Whitney’s episode of “16 and Pregnant”— which first aired in 2009— Weston Jr. was diagnosed with a genetic disorder called Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which means his body didn’t produce enough of the AAT protein that helps protect the liver and lungs.)
“We are completely heartbroken and in shock,” Amy— who married Weston Sr. after his breakup with Whitney and basically raised Weston Jr. and his brother River— wrote. “Losing a child is the most painful thing I have ever experienced and I hope I never experience it again. He was the most amazing son I could have asked for. He was brilliant, smart, funny and had so much potential in life. It doesn’t feel real.”
Whitney— who does not have custody of her boys— also took to Facebook to confirm the tragic news of Weston Jr.’s passing.
“This is so hard to write. My beautiful son, Weston has passed away,” Whitney wrote. “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. I would do anything just to hold him. Words just can’t describe the pain I am feeling,” she continued. “I love you so much, Weston Owen Gosa. God, I love you so much. You are my heart. I was so proud of the young man you were becoming. I just can’t go on without you. Rest in Peace, my angel. You are gone too soon. April 2, 2009 – June 2, 2025.”
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Although several people related to the “16 and Pregnant” series have died since their episodes aired, Weston Jr. is the first child from the show to pass away. Over the years, several of the girls featured on the show — which began airing in 2009 and ran for six seasons— have died, as have some of the fathers of the children and other cast members. Last year, Season 5’s Autumn Crittendon died, making her the third girl featured on the show to pass. (Season 2’s Valerie Fairman and Season 5’s Jordan Cashmyer are also deceased.)
Sean Garinger— a father from the 6B season— also died tragically in 2024.
UPDATE! Weston Jr.’s father, Weston Sr., paid tribute to his late son on Tuesday, mentioning that the teen had been struggled with health issues in recent years.
“You’ll forever be my lil boy. I’ll live the rest of my days with you in my heart,” he wrote. “God I wish this was all just a bad dream. You’re free now from all the complications you had to deal with for the last 6 years or so. Fly high baby boy, daddy loves you more than you could have ever known.
UPDATE #2: Weston Jr.’s stepmom, Amy, has spoken to The Sun to dispute online rumors saying the teen died from a drug overdose.
“He had several health issues, so we’re thinking it was an underlying issue we didn’t know about,” she said. “It’s very hurtful seeing all the comments saying he died from fentanyl.
“He was fine the night before. At first, we thought his blood sugar was low, but it wasn’t,” she explained, adding that Weston Jr.’s brother River, as well as his stepbrother are having a hard time.
“We’re all very upset. Our kids are devastated. He’s got two brothers and they’re just broken,” Amy said, adding that Weston’s mother Whitney is “not doing good at all right now.” (Amy also clarified that she and Weston Sr. are on good terms with Whitney now, despite their past battles.)
A SpotFund fundraiser has been set up to help Weston Jr.’s family pay for his final expenses.
“Because [his death] was unexpected we do not have the funds to give our son the burial and headstone he deserves,” Amy wrote on the fundraising page. “Please help support us so we can give our son a funeral he deserves and needs.”
As of press time, the fundraiser has raised $800 of the $12,000 goal. Those wishing to donate can do so using the link below.
RELATED STORY: “16 & Pregnant” Tragedies: All of the Cast Members Who Have Died After Appearing on the Show
20 Responses
This is so heartbreaking breaking. Prayers going out to the family.
Oh my gosh, this is so very sad, my sincere condolences to all the family, heart breaking.
Rest in peace sweet boy!
It’s very telling that his stepmom who raised him talked about his great qualities while his egg donor just talked about HER pain, how SHE was going to go on…
I’m trying to figure out what their episode was about. I see police reports and criminal activity. Plus, the child’s untimely passing. I just don’t remember them.
She was in season 1 with the OG girls. I believe the offered Teen Mom to all 6 of them from that season, but she declined to to Weston’s health conditions. The other girl, Ebony, was living on a military base.
This is entirely unnecessary. We’re talking about a deceased child.
For real! Talk about somebody making it all about them…
I remember his episode well. This is devastating. His poor family – I can’t even imagine.
This is heartbreaking. I can’t imagine how heartbroken his family must be. I’m sure this came as a shock. Rest easy, Weston Jr. I remember him well on his episode. Precious baby.
I remember when he was born. Poor baby. Some stars shine so brightly that they don’t last as long, but the world is better after absorbing all that light
I Remember her episode and then hearing about her getting caught shoplifting.. very sad for this kid who was born when I was an adult to already be gone while I sit here.. really makes ya think tbh
Absolutely tragic! Rest in peace little man!
This is heartbreaking. I know they probably knew this was a possibility with all of his health issues, but I cannot imagine finding my child like that. They’ll all be in my prayers.
Oh no. How heartbreaking.