Driver Charged in Fatal Crash Involving TLC's Meet the Putmans Family

The individual operating the truck implicated in the collision that claimed the lives of three family members from TLC's Meet the Putmans has now faced formal charges.

The Tuscola County Sheriff's Office in Michigan disclosed on Monday, September 29, that the driver, confirmed as Pavel B Shchukin, is facing three charges of vehicular infraction leading to fatalities. Additionally, he faces five charges of vehicular infraction resulting in severe bodily impairment.

The 55-year-old driver, reportedly from Florida, is presently incarcerated at the Tuscola County Jail, with a $100,000 cash bail or surety bond set for his release.

Shchukin was implicated in a deadly accident on Friday, September 26, in Michigan, when his commercial semi-truck struck the Putman family's Jeep. Law enforcement stated that Shchukin allegedly disregarded a stop sign, crashing into the Jeep which had eight Putman family occupants.

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"Among the eight individuals in the Jeep, three were confirmed dead at the crash site. The remaining occupants of the Jeep were transported to various hospitals by helicopter and MMR, with some reported to be in critical condition," officials communicated via Facebook on Saturday, September 27. "The semi-truck's driver and passenger were taken to the hospital for minor injuries. The semi-truck's driver was later apprehended, and a report is being submitted to the Prosecutor for official charging."

The family subsequently verified that Bill “Papa” Putman, his spouse, Barb “Neenee” Putman, and their daughter-in-law Megan Putman lost their lives in the unfortunate incident.

"I address you with sorrow, requesting your prayers. Our family experienced a tragic vehicle collision, and we lost Papa, Neenee, and Aunt Megan," a message posted on the family's @GrowingUpPutmans Instagram account stated on Saturday. "They have returned to be with the Lord."

Five additional members of the past reality television series — identified by the family as “Uncle Blake, Lulu, Alena, Noah and Gia” — received hospital care after the collision.

As per the family's social media update on Sunday, September 28, Noah remained sedated but was “reacting to us with movement,” while Gia had a craniotomy, which considerably “reduced” her brain pressure. (A craniotomy involves surgically removing a portion of the skull to reach the brain, typically performed to address swelling.)

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Viewers were first acquainted with the Putman family through TLC's Meet the Putmans in 2017. The program chronicled Bill and Barb and their four offspring, Billy Putman, Brandon Putman, Blake Putman, and Blair Putman, along with their partners and, at that time, 15 grandchildren, all residing together in one home.

Megan, Blake's wife, was among the trio of family members who died in the collision that occurred earlier this month. Blake sustained injuries in the incident, as did his and Megan's daughters Lulu and Alena, and their son Noah.

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Brandon, Blake's brother, also suffered injuries in the crash, as did his daughter Gia, with wife Kacie Putman.

Although the series had a brief run — ending after merely six episodes — the extensive family persisted in sharing their lives through YouTube.

Supporters have also been tracking the family's recovery journey and health updates through social media, a gesture the Putmans deeply appreciate.

"We are grateful for all the ongoing prayers, affection, and backing. We sense your resilience and belief encompassing us," the family posted on Instagram on Sunday. "Kindly continue to send well wishes to Noah and Gia as they recover."