Whitney Purvis Demands Answers: How Her Teen Son’s Death ‘Could’ve Been Prevented’ Amid Ex Feud
Oh great, just what the tabloids ordered—another reality TV alum trading grief for courtroom drama. Former 16 and Pregnant star Whitney Purvis is publicly blaming her ex for their teen son’s untimely death, insisting that a bitter custody feud derailed any chance of saving him. Purvis, who first shot to fame on MTV’s hit docu-series, went on Instagram this week to lament that “nothing was ever done” to protect their son, 17-year-old Tyler. Her post, shared by People magazine, accused her ex of blocking crucial mental health services and called out family court “red tape” for standing in the way.
Fans of the franchise will recall Whitney’s tough-as-nails image, but now she’s stripping away the glitz for raw accountability. In a handwritten statement obtained by TMZ, she revealed that Tyler struggled with severe anxiety and depression in recent months. Purvis claims the teen had been approved for weekly therapy, only to have sessions cancelled at the last minute when his dad — her ex, identified in court filings as Michael Jennings — allegedly refused to sign off on the referrals.
Court documents obtained by TMZ show that Whitney filed an emergency petition in Broward County family court on April 3, seeking sole legal custody. She added a request for a temporary restraining order, accusing Jennings of “alienating our son from necessary care” and “intimidating” her via constant legal motions. According to People, the judge denied the request for immediate relief, citing insufficient evidence that Jennings acted maliciously.
Jennings, through his attorney, fired back in a sealed response disputing every allegation. He describes Whitney as “not consistently engaged in Tyler’s medical routine” and claims she only raised concerns once headlines hinted at drama. Sources close to Jennings tell Radar Online that he’s devastated by Tyler’s death but adamant there was no deliberate interference.
Friends of the family paint a picture of chaos: Tyler was last seen at school counseling two weeks before his passing, with teachers noting he seemed “more withdrawn than usual.” A GoFundMe launched by Whitney’s sister raised over $15,000 for funeral expenses, and tributes flooded in under #JusticeForTyler on Instagram.
Looking ahead, the next hearing is slated for May 12, when the judge will decide whether to unseal more documents and possibly refer Jennings for contempt if the court finds he hindered Tyler’s care. Both sides are gearing up for a battle that could redefine how family courts handle mental health mandates.
So there you have it—another devastating outcome wrapped in legal wrangling. Stay tuned, because this soap opera has more episodes to air. And that’s today’s dose of reality. You’re welcome.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, TMZ.com
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
