TLC's Putman Family Mourns Three Loved Ones Lost in Tragic Accident
The Putman family is experiencing profound grief following the loss of three relatives who perished in a devastating vehicle collision.
A statement issued on September 27 by the family verified the deaths of Bill and Barb Putman, along with their daughter-in-law Megan.
“We hold the belief that Papa, Neenee, and Aunt Megan are not permanently gone,” the family shared on Instagram. “They are vibrant and complete in Heaven, in the presence of Jesus, hearing the words we all aspire to hear: ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’”
The automobile crash also resulted in injuries to several other family members. The family continues to provide updates on their condition through social media channels.
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“Please remember Uncle Blake, Lulu, Alena, Noah, and Gia in your prayers as they remain hospitalized,” the statement further requested. “We are praying for their full recovery and strength for each of them.”
Continue reading for additional details about the incident and its impact on the Putman family:
What Led to the Fatal Traffic Incident?
While specific information regarding the deadly accident remains limited, the Putman family’s initial announcement confirmed that family members were “involved in a tragic car accident and we lost Papa, Neenee and Aunt Megan.”
The Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office in Michigan confirmed in an official report that a two-vehicle collision occurred on September 26.
The office stated that a commercial semi truck, heavily loaded and traveling southbound, failed to halt at a stop sign, subsequently colliding with an eastbound Jeep carrying eight individuals from the nearby town of Cass City.
“Out of the eight occupants in the Jeep, three were pronounced deceased at the scene. All remaining occupants of the Jeep were transported to various hospitals by helicopter and MMR, some in critical condition,” police reported via Facebook on September 27. “The driver and passenger of the semi truck were taken to the hospital for minor injuries. The semi truck’s driver was later apprehended, and a report is being prepared for the Prosecutor to consider formal charges.”
Who Perished in the Vehicular Accident?
The Putman family verified that Bill “Papa” Putman, his spouse, Barb — commonly known as Neenee — and their daughter-in-law Megan were among those who died in the collision.
“We are grateful for every prayer, message, and expression of love,” the family’s statement concluded. “Your support means more than words can convey. Please continue to uplift us, so that our hearts remain centered on the truth that Jesus triumphed over death to grant us eternal life.”
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Who Is Convalescing From the Car Accident?
Several other family members, identified by the family as “Uncle Blake, Lulu, Alena, Noah and Gia,” were admitted to the hospital following the incident.
The family disclosed on September 28 that Noah is still sedated but commented, “We are very relieved to see that he is reacting to us with movement.”
Regarding Gia, she underwent a craniotomy, and the family is “thankful to report that her medical team shared some positive news: her brain pressure has significantly decreased.”
A craniotomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a portion of the skull to gain access to the brain.
How Did Barb Putman Commemorate Her Husband Bill Putman Prior to Their Deaths?
Just days before the fatal vehicle crash, Barb honored her husband’s birthday with a heartfelt tribute shared on social media.
“You are truly a blessing to me and our family. You inspire us daily through your strengths, wisdom, and determination. You love us unconditionally and have always been consistent with that, even despite our flaws,” Barb wrote on Instagram on September 23. “As a husband, you love me as 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 sanctuary, our inspiration, and our encourager.”
What Became of the ‘Meet the Putmans’ Reality Television Series?
Meet the Putmans aired on TLC for a single season in 2017. The reality show chronicled the lives of the 25-member family residing together.
Although its television run was brief, the family revived the series in 2021 on YouTube. The last episode of Growing Up Putman appeared to have been published in January 2025.
