The family behind the TLC reality show “Meet the Putmans” confirmed that three family members died in a crash in Michigan this weekend, with five others remaining hospitalized.
In a statement shared on social media Saturday, the family identified the victims as patriarch Bill “Papa” Putman, his wife “Neenee,” and Aunt Megan. The crash occurred just after 9 p.m. Friday when a semi-truck failed to stop at a sign and collided with the family’s vehicle, police said.
According to the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office, the accident happened at the intersection of Deckerville Road and Hurds Corner Road near Cass City. A 55-year-old Florida man driving a loaded commercial semi-truck reportedly ran a stop sign, striking a Jeep carrying eight members of the Putmans’ Cass City family.
Three occupants of the Jeep died at the scene. The five surviving family members – identified in the Putmans’ statement as Uncle Blake, Lulu, Alena, Noah, and Gia – were transported to hospitals, with some in critical condition.
“They have gone home to be with the Lord,” the family wrote of their deceased loved ones.
“Please keep Uncle Blake, Lulu, Alena, Noah, and Gia in your prayers as they remain in the hospital. We are asking for complete healing and strength for each of them.”
Police have arrested the Florida man who was driving the semi-truck. The investigation remains active.
In their statement, the Putmans expressed their faith during this difficult time, saying that “even in this time of heartbreak,” they find comfort knowing that “God is in control.” They shared their belief that their lost family members are “alive and whole in heaven before Jesus.”
“Meet the Putmans” aired for one season on TLC in 2017, featuring the 25-member family. After the show ended, they continued sharing their lives through a YouTube channel called “Growing Up Putman.”
The family has requested continued prayers from the public and their fans. “Thank you for every prayer, message and act of love,” their statement reads. “Your support means more than words can express.”
On Sunday, the Putman family shared an update on Noah and Gia’s condition. They said Noah, though still sedated, was responding with movement, which was a good sign.
“Every small sign reminds us that God is at work and hearing our prayers,” the family said in a social media post.
The Putmans also said Gia underwent a craniotomy Saturday night to relieve pressure on her brain. “Thank you for all the prayers, love, and support.”
Generative AI was used to organize information for this story, based on our MLive reporting. It was reviewed and edited by MLive staff.
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