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The Putman family remains in mourning after three relatives died in a tragic car accident.
In a statement released on September 27, the family confirmed that Bill and Barb Putman and their daughter-in-law Megan had died. Two days later, a truck driver was charged in connection to the accident.
“We know Papa, Neenee and Aunt Megan are not gone forever,” the family said via Instagram. “They are alive and whole in Heaven, standing before Jesus, hearing the words we all long to hear: ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’”
The car accident also left several family members injured. The family continues to update fans on their condition via social media.
“Please keep Uncle Blake, Lulu, Alena, Noah and Gia in your prayers as they remain in the hospital,” the statement continued.
Keep reading to learn more about the accident and how it’s impacting the Putman family:
What Happened in the Fatal Car Accident?
While details surrounding the deadly accident remain limited, the Putman family’s original statement confirmed that family members were “in a tragic car accident and we lost Papa, Neenee and Aunt Megan.”
The Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office in Michigan confirmed in a statement that a two-vehicle crash occurred on September 26.
The office said a southbound loaded commercial semi truck failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with an eastbound Jeep that was carrying eight residents of nearby Cass City.
“Of the eight occupants in the Jeep, three were pronounced deceased on scene. All other occupants of the Jeep were transported to respective hospitals by helicopter and MMR, some in critical condition,” police said via Facebook on September 27. “The driver and passenger of the semi truck were transported to the hospital for minor injuries. The driver of the semi truck was subsequently arrested and a report is being forwarded to the Prosecutor for formal charges.”
Who Died in the Car Accident?
The Putman family confirmed that Bill “Papa” Putman, his wife, Barb — who often goes by Neenee — and their daughter-in-law Megan were killed in the crash.
“Thank you for every prayer, message and act of love,” the family’s statement read. “Your support means more than words can express. Please continue to lift us up, that our hearts remain fixed on the truth that Jesus conquered death so we could have eternal life.”
Who Is Recovering From the Car Accident?
Several other family members, identified by the family as “Uncle Blake, Lulu, Alena, Noah and Gia” were hospitalized after the accident.
The family revealed on September 28 that Noah is still sedated but said, “We are so grateful to see that he is responding to us with movement.”
As for Gia, she underwent a craniotomy, and the family is “thankful to report that her care team shared some encouraging news: her brain pressure has gone down significantly.” A craniotomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing a section of the skull to access the brain.
An October Instagram post confirmed Blake, Lulu and Alena were discharged with Noah beginning out-patient rehab soon after.
On December 9, the Putman family confirmed Gia was still in the hospital after going through “her 10th major surgery in the last 75 days.”
“Our family hasn’t been fully together since September 26,” the family’s post read.
Has Anyone Been Charged for the Car Accident?
The Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office announced on September 29 that Pavel B Shchukin, who was allegedly driving the commercial truck that struck the Putman family, had been charged with eight counts in connection with the accident. He was charged with three counts of moving violation causing death and five counts of moving violation causing serious impairment of a body function. Police confirmed that Shchukin is being held on a $100,000 cash bail or surety bond at the Tuscola County Jail. No details about Shchukin’s plea have been released.
How Did Barb Putman Honor Husband Bill Putman Before Their Deaths?
Bill and Barb Putman Courtesy of Growing Up Putman/Instagram
Just days before the fatal car accident, Barb celebrated her husband’s birthday with a heartfelt message on social media.
“You are truly a blessing to me and our family. You inspire us each day through your strengths, wisdom and determination. You love us unconditionally and have always been consistent with that even through our faults,” Barb wrote via Instagram on September 23. “As a husband, you love me like Christ loves the church and I never take that for granted. As a dad and papa you are such a gift to our family. You are our safe place, our inspiration and our encourager.”
What Happened to the ‘Meet the Putmans’ Reality Show?
Meet the Putmans aired on TLC for one season in 2017. The reality show followed the family of 25 living together.
Although its TV run was short-lived, the family rebooted the series in 2021 via YouTube. The last episode of Growing Up Putman appeared to be posted in January 2025.
The Putman family members have been making a name for themselves since starring on TLC’s Meet the Putmans in 2017. The reality series followed the Putman family — Bill Putman and Barbara Putman, their four children, Billy Putman, Brandon Putman, Blake Putman and Blair Putman, their respective spouses and, at the time, 15 grandchildren — […]
What Is the Putman Family’s Outlook After the Crash
In a December 2025 Instagram post, the Putmans shared an update on where things stand.
“Our family has been and is going through some major changes, to say the least, for the last three months now. We’ve lost three guiding Godly people in our lives who we looked to for wisdom every day,” the family’s statement read via Instagram on December 9. “We fought for our kids’ lives with four of our kids in the hospital at one time. … And today, three months later, is both the plea and sentencing of the man who caused the accident where our family will speak to him in the courtroom for the first time.”
The statement continued, “We believe in the power of prayer and we still humbly ask for your prayers not only for Gia’s health but also for the words that Billy and Blake will be saying to this man in court today. And also for the words that we say to all the people we come across at the hospital. Use us, God!”
