Three members of the reality television family featured on TLC’s “Meet the Putmans” died in a car crash in Michigan on Friday night, September 26, 2025, while five other family members remain hospitalized with injuries.
Bill “Papa” Putman, his wife Barb “Neenee” Putman, and their daughter-in-law Megan Putman were killed when a commercial semi-truck collided with their Jeep in Tuscola County, Michigan, at the intersection of Deckerville & Hurds Corner, according to the county sheriff’s office. The crash occurred at approximately 9 p.m. on Friday night.
The Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office reported that a southbound loaded commercial semi-truck operated by a 55-year-old Florida man identified as Pavel B. Shchukin failed to stop at a stop sign and struck the eastbound Jeep carrying eight residents of nearby Cass City. Three occupants of the Jeep were pronounced dead at the scene, while the other five were transported to hospitals, some in critical condition.
The semi-truck driver and passenger sustained minor injuries and were also taken to a hospital. The driver was arrested and is awaiting formal charges, with the county prosecutor handling the case.
Family member Isabella Putman confirmed the deaths through an Instagram statement on Saturday, September 28. She indicated that the family lost Papa, Neenee, and Aunt Megan, noting, “They have gone home to be with the Lord.”
The surviving family members hospitalized include Uncle Blake, Lulu, Alena, Noah, and Gia. Isabella Putman requested prayers for complete healing and strength for each of the injured family members as they remain in the hospital.
On Sunday, the family provided an update on the condition of two hospitalized members. They reported that Noah remained sedated but was responding with movement. Gia underwent a craniotomy, a type of brain surgery where surgeons remove part of the skull to access the brain. The family shared that her care team provided encouraging news, noting that her brain pressure had decreased significantly.
The Putman family rose to fame in 2017 when TLC aired one season of “Meet the Putmans,” which showcased three generations totaling 25 people living together in the same home. The household featured Bill and Barb as the family patriarch and matriarch, along with their four adult children, their spouses, and grandchildren.
The show followed the lives of the multi-generational family living under one roof in a massive 35,000-square-foot house. According to their current Instagram bio, the household consisted of ten adults and 20 children before the recent deaths.
In 2021, the Putmans rebranded their series on YouTube as “Growing Up Putman,” which has garnered more than 8,000 followers on the platform. The YouTube bio describes Bill and Barb Putman’s belief that a strong family bond can only occur if everyone stays together, though no new episodes have been released in years.
Isabella Putman’s statement reflected the family’s reliance on their faith during this difficult time. She indicated that God serves as their hope, peace, and salvation, and that even in heartbreak, they rest in knowing that God is in control. The family expressed their belief that Papa, Neenee, and Aunt Megan are alive and whole in Heaven, standing before Jesus.
The family thanked supporters for their prayers, messages, and acts of love, stating that the support means more than words can express. They requested continued prayers as they walk through this deep loss and asked that hearts remain fixed on their belief that Jesus conquered death for eternal life.
Cass City, where the family resided, is located approximately 100 miles north of Detroit. The sheriff’s office urged the public to pay more attention when driving, stating they are experiencing too many crashes that are destroying people’s lives.
TMZ confirmed the identities of the deceased family members and the details of the crash through official sources. The family’s Instagram account serves as the primary source for updates on the condition of the surviving family members.