Three members of Michigan family from TLC show killed in crash
Putman family of 25 known for Meet the Putmans and Growing Up Putman mourns as four others are hospitalized after Tuscola County crash
Three members of a Michigan family of 25 who starred in their own TLC reality series have been killed in a car crash, authorities said Friday night. Bill 'Papa' Putman, Barb 'Neenee' Putman, and Megan Putman died at the scene near the intersection of Deckerville and Hurds Corner Roads in Tuscola County, according to the Tuscola County Sheriff's Office. Isabelle Putman, Megan's sister, announced the deaths on the family’s social media account and asked for prayers as they mourn.
Four other family members were injured and hospitalized, including Megan's husband, Blake, and their children Lulu, Alena and Noah, and Megan's niece Gia. Some injured were airlifted to hospitals by helicopter, while others were transported by mobile medical response. Several relatives remained in critical condition Friday night, and authorities said conditions could change.
Authorities said the crash occurred after a semi-truck failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with the Putmans' Jeep, which carried eight passengers, on a rural road near Deckerville and Hurds Corner Roads. The semi-truck driver, 55, and his female passenger were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The Florida driver was arrested; formal charges are pending, according to police.
Investigators cited a Facebook post from the Tuscola County Sheriff's Office that urged motorists to pay more attention while driving, noting that crashes have devastated families.
Meet the Putmans aired on TLC in 2017 and followed all 25 family members living under one roof. The show later expanded to a YouTube series, Growing Up Putman, which began in 2021; its last episode aired in January.
Isabelle Putman posted a message of faith after the crash, saying that because of Jesus' sacrifice, Papa, Neenee, and Aunt Megan are not gone forever; they are alive and whole in Heaven, awaiting the day of judgment (Matthew 25:23).
The family thanked fans for their support, calling it meaningful and saying prayers are appreciated as they navigate the heartbreak and lean on their faith for comfort.