5 Tragic Truths About Autumn Crittendon: The Unseen Struggles Of A '16 And Pregnant' Star

The life of Autumn Crittendon, a former star of MTV’s reality series 16 and Pregnant, was marked by the intense scrutiny of reality television and, tragically, an untimely death that shocked the show’s devoted fanbase. On July 20, 2024, the young mother of three was found dead, and the subsequent reveal of her cause of death has brought a renewed focus on the struggles faced by many reality TV alums long after the cameras stop rolling. This article provides a comprehensive look at the life and legacy of Autumn Crittendon, from her controversial time on MTV to the heartbreaking final chapter of her story.

The latest updates, confirmed as recently as December 13, 2025, reveal that Crittendon's death was ruled an accidental overdose, a devastating conclusion that highlights the ongoing opioid crisis impacting communities across the United States. Her story is a poignant reminder of the complex challenges faced by young adults navigating parenthood, fame, and addiction in the modern era. The following is a deep dive into the details of her life, her family, and the final, tragic circumstances of her passing.

Autumn Crittendon: A Complete Biography and Profile

Autumn Crittendon, who was also known by her married name, Autumn Oxley, or her former partner's name, Autumn Franklin, rose to public prominence during the fifth season of the hit MTV show 16 and Pregnant. Her episode detailed the difficult reality of teen pregnancy and the turbulent relationship with her baby's father.

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• Full Name: Autumn Crittendon (also known as Autumn Oxley and Autumn Franklin)
• Date of Birth: c. 1997
• Date of Death: July 20, 2024
• Age at Death: 27 years old
• Location of Death: Henrico County, Virginia, USA
• Cause of Death: Accidental Drug Overdose (Fentanyl and Para-fluorofentanyl Toxicity)
• Reality TV Appearance: MTV's 16 and Pregnant, Season 5 (2014)
• Partner on Show: Dustin Franklin
• Children: Three—Drake, Abigail, and Luke
• Family: Survived by her three young children and her older sister, Misty.

The Unfiltered Story of Her '16 and Pregnant' Episode

Autumn Crittendon’s appearance on 16 and Pregnant in 2014 was a raw and often difficult portrayal of the challenges she faced while pregnant with her first child, Drake. Her episode, which aired as part of Season 5, immediately captured the attention of viewers due to the intense conflict with her boyfriend, Dustin Franklin.

Relationship Turmoil and Financial Struggles

The central struggle of Autumn’s narrative revolved around the reliability of her partner, Dustin. Viewers saw the couple grapple with severe financial instability and a lack of support, which put immense pressure on their relationship as the due date approached. Dustin, the father of her son Drake, was portrayed as jobless and struggling with drug use, specifically marijuana, which became a major point of contention for Autumn.

The episode depicted Autumn’s difficult decision to pursue legal action. She ultimately had to go to court to secure child support from Dustin for their son, Drake. This storyline resonated deeply with many viewers, highlighting the reality that teen pregnancy often involves not only emotional strain but also significant legal and financial battles.

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Life After the MTV Cameras

Like many reality stars, Autumn Crittendon's life continued to unfold away from the public eye after her episode aired. She went on to have two more children, a daughter named Abigail and a son named Luke, expanding her family to three children. Her post-MTV life was largely private, though she maintained connections with family and friends who occasionally shared updates on social media.

The shift from reality TV fame to a more private life often leads to speculation about a former star's career path. While some 16 and Pregnant alums transition into adult content creation or OnlyFans, there is no verified, public information to confirm that Autumn Crittendon pursued this path. Her focus, according to family, was on raising her three children, a task made even more challenging by the ongoing struggles she faced.

The Tragic Final Chapter: Cause of Death Revealed

The news of Autumn Crittendon’s death at the young age of 27 sent a wave of sadness through the Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant communities. The initial reports in July 2024 were vague, stating only that police had responded to a call regarding an unresponsive adult female.

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A Fentanyl Overdose

After an investigation by the Henrico County Police Department and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the devastating cause of death was officially revealed. Autumn Crittendon died from an accidental drug overdose. Specifically, the medical examiner’s report cited "fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl toxicity" as the cause, with the manner of death ruled an accident.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, and its presence, often unknowingly consumed, has been a leading factor in the national overdose crisis. The news of her passing from an accidental overdose immediately drew parallels to other tragedies within the reality TV sphere, highlighting the pervasive and dangerous nature of opioid addiction.

The Impact on Her Children and Family

Autumn’s death left behind her three young children: Drake, Abigail, and Luke. The tragic circumstances of her passing have shifted the focus to the welfare of her children, who are now being cared for by family members. Her older sister, Misty, has been one of the family members who has publicly shared the grief and the difficult reality of the situation. The family has asked for privacy and respect as they navigate this profound loss and ensure the stability of the children's lives.

The story of Autumn Crittendon serves as a powerful cautionary tale about the pressures of early parenthood, the long-term effects of reality television exposure, and the devastating consequences of the opioid epidemic. Her legacy is one of a young woman who, despite her struggles, was deeply loved by her family and her children. Her life, though short, continues to be a point of discussion about the responsibilities of reality television producers and the resources available to young people facing similar challenges.