By Autumn Oxley, formerly known as Autumn Crittendon, a former cast member of MTV’s “16 and Pregnant,” was found dead at her home in Henrico County, Virginia, on July 20. She was 27 years old. The Henrico County Police Division has launched an investigation into her death.
According to a police statement provided to TODAY.com, officers and fire personnel responded to a medical emergency call at Oxley’s residence at approximately 3:12 p.m. local time. Despite life-saving measures performed by the Henrico Fire Department, Oxley was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Henrico Police are currently classifying this incident as a death investigation,” the department stated. “Detectives are working with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner on this case to determine the exact cause and manner of death.”
Oxley gained public attention in 2014 when she appeared on MTV’s “16 and Pregnant,” which documented her pregnancy with then-boyfriend Dustin Franklin. On the show, she gave birth to her son, Drake. Oxley later described herself on Facebook as a “mother of two little boys Drake and Luke and a beautiful little girl Abigail.”
The day after Oxley’s death, her sister, Misty Crittendon, changed her Facebook profile photo to an image of two young girls with the hashtag #justiceforautumn, suggesting potential concerns about the circumstances of Oxley’s death.
Henrico County Police Division is urging anyone with information regarding Oxley’s death to contact their department or submit tips. MTV has not yet commented on the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, fans and fellow cast members of “16 and Pregnant” are expressing shock and sadness at the loss of Oxley, who had become a mother of three since her appearance on the show. Her death highlights the often challenging lives of young parents featured in reality television and the lasting impact of such programs on their participants.
