The Putman family is grieving after a devastating vehicle crash claimed the lives of three family members.
The family released a statement on September 27, confirming the deaths of Bill and Barb Putman, along with their daughter-in-law, Megan. On September 29, a truck driver faced charges related to the accident.
“We are confident that Papa, Neenee, and Aunt Megan are not eternally lost,” the family expressed on Instagram. “They are thriving in Heaven, standing before Jesus, hearing the words we eagerly anticipate: ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’”
Several other family members sustained injuries in the car crash. The family is actively sharing updates on their conditions through social media.
“Please pray for Uncle Blake, Lulu, Alena, Noah, and Gia, as they remain under hospital care,” the statement added.
Continue reading for in-depth information about the accident and its impact on the Putman family:
Details of the Tragic Car Accident
While specific details about the fatal incident are still emerging, the Putman family initially confirmed that they were “involved in a tragic car accident, resulting in the loss of Papa, Neenee, and Aunt Megan.”
The Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office in Michigan reported that a two-vehicle collision took place on September 26.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, a commercial semi truck traveling southbound failed to halt at a stop sign, colliding with an eastbound Jeep carrying eight residents from Cass City.
“Among the eight occupants of the Jeep, three were declared dead at the scene. The remaining occupants were transported to various hospitals via helicopter and MMR, with some in critical condition,” police stated on Facebook on September 27. “The semi truck’s driver and passenger were also hospitalized for minor injuries. Subsequently, the truck driver was arrested, and a report is being submitted to the Prosecutor for potential charges.”
Who Were the Fatalities in the Car Accident?
The Putman family verified that Bill “Papa” Putman, his wife, Barb (often known as Neenee), and their daughter-in-law Megan, were the individuals who died in the crash.
“Thank you for all the prayers, messages, and expressions of love,” the family’s statement conveyed. “Your support is deeply appreciated. Please continue to uplift us, so our hearts remain focused on the truth that Jesus overcame death, granting us eternal life.”
Who Is in Recovery Following the Car Accident?
Several family members, identified as “Uncle Blake, Lulu, Alena, Noah, and Gia,” were hospitalized following the accident.
On September 28, the family disclosed that Noah was still under sedation but noted, “We are very grateful to see him responding to us with movement.”
Regarding Gia, she underwent a craniotomy, and the family shared, “We are grateful to report that her medical team shared encouraging news: her brain pressure has decreased significantly.”
A craniotomy involves surgically removing a portion of the skull to gain access to the brain.
An Instagram update on November 6 indicated that Gia is “progressing well.”
“Today, we tested her ability to breathe without the ventilator, using only oxygen for an hour, and she did remarkably well. We will continue this exercise a few times daily,” the social media update stated. “She also reacted to a clap in front of her face by flinching her eyes, a response she hadn’t shown before! We discontinued another medication today. She is scheduled for the internal shunt procedure tomorrow afternoon, assuming everything goes according to plan.”
The Putmans further revealed that Gia is “still fighting” a kidney infection and is receiving ongoing treatment.
“Overall, she is doing well, making small steps that feel like we’re getting closer to interacting with her,” the Instagram post concluded. “We would greatly appreciate your continued prayers for her recovery!”
Has Anyone Been Charged in Connection With the Car Accident?
On September 29, the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office announced that Pavel B Shchukin, the alleged driver of the commercial truck involved in the collision with the Putman family, was charged with eight counts related to the incident. The charges include three counts of moving violation causing death and five counts of moving violation causing serious impairment of a body function. Authorities confirmed that Shchukin is being held at the Tuscola County Jail on a $100,000 cash bail or surety bond. Information regarding Shchukin’s plea has not been disclosed.
How Did Barb Putman Celebrate Husband Bill Putman Prior to Their Passing?
Bill and Barb Putman Courtesy of Growing Up Putman/Instagram
Just days before the tragic car accident, Barb commemorated her husband’s birthday with a loving message shared on social media.
“You are truly a blessing to me and our family. Every day, we are inspired by your strength, wisdom, and resolve. Your love is unconditional, unwavering even through our imperfections,” Barb shared on Instagram on September 23. “As my husband, your love reflects Christ’s love for the church, something I deeply cherish. As a dad and papa, you are an invaluable gift to our family. You are our refuge, our inspiration, and our constant source of encouragement.”
What Became of the ‘Meet the Putmans’ Reality Show?
Meet the Putmans, a reality show that followed the lives of the 25-member family living together, aired on TLC for a single season in 2017.
Despite its brief run on TV, the family revived the series on YouTube in 2021. The most recent episode of Growing Up Putman appears to have been posted in January 2025.
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