A 16 and Pregnant star in tragic circumstances. Whitney Purvis' son Weston Gosa Jr has passed away aged just 16, she confirmed on social media. The reality star welcomed her son on the show, and shared a picture of him when he was just a child as she announced the sad news.

She wrote on : "This is so hard to write. My beautiful son, Weston has passed away. 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 added: "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."

The young mum, who appeared on the MTV show in 2009, said: "I love you forever, precious. I'll never understand why life has to be so cruel. You'll always be my baby."

Though Whitney hasn't confirmed Weston's cause of death, her stepmother Amy Gosa chimed in with some additional details, explaining they tried to wake him up at 7am on June 2 but couldn't. She said: "He was not 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."

Weston had "several health issues" including diabetes and had been diagnosed with the genetic disorder Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which can cause lung and liver damage. The family is now awaiting an autopsy to determine his cause of death.

Condolences soon flooded in from heartbroken fans, with one writing: "So sorry to hear this. What a handsome boy. May he rest in eternal peace."

Another echoed: "Honey I am so sorry for your loss. I watched you on the show and I loved your segment. Now you will always have that episode to look back at of your beautiful baby boy." As a third fan chimed in: "I'm so sorry for your loss. I can not imagine what you are feeling. Praying for you and your family during this tragic time."