Three members of TLC's 'Meet the Putmans' killed in Michigan car crash
TUSCOLA COUNTY, MICHIGAN: The Putman family, best known from the TLC reality series 'Meet the Putmans', confirmed on Saturday, September 27, that three of their beloved family members died in a horrific car accident.
The collision also left five other relatives injured, several in critical condition, casting a shadow of grief across their small-town community.
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'Meet the Putmans' car crash victims identified
The deceased were identified as family patriarch Bill “Papa” Putman, his wife Barb “Neenee” Putman, and their daughter-in-law Megan Putman.
The Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office sent out a press release regarding the crash, noting they responded to a two-vehicle collision that resulted from a 55-year-old man from Florida running a stop sign. All three were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
The sudden loss of the family elders and Megan, who was a mother of young children, has left the extended Michigan household heartbroken.
Blake Putman, his children, and a niece are hospitalized
Megan Putman’s husband Blake Putman, their children, Lulu, Alena, and Noah, and their niece, Gia, were all rushed to nearby hospitals with severe injuries.
Family updates revealed that while some are stable, others remain in critical condition.
Loved ones say the children face long recoveries, making the tragedy even more painful for the tight-knit clan.
How the Michigan car crash happened
The crash occurred in Tuscola County on Friday evening when a semi-truck allegedly ran a stop sign and slammed into the Putman family’s Jeep.
Emergency responders quickly arrived, using helicopters and ambulances to transport victims to regional hospitals.
The semi-truck driver and passenger sustained minor injuries and are cooperating with investigators.
Police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision, though preliminary findings indicate driver error played a key role.
Family asks for prayers after tragedy
In a heartbreaking Instagram post, the Putman family said, “Our family was in a tragic car accident and we lost Papa, Neenee, and Aunt Megan… They have gone home to be with the Lord.”
They also pleaded with fans to keep Blake, Lulu, Alena, Noah, and Gia in their prayers as the survivors undergo treatment.
The message emphasized their faith in God’s plan and expressed gratitude for the massive outpouring of condolences.
Remembering the Putmans on TLC and beyond
The Putmans became household names on TLC’s 2017 docuseries 'Meet the Putmans', which showcased their unique lifestyle of 25 family members living under one roof.
Their boisterous but loving dynamic made them relatable to fans who admired their unity and humor. In 2021, they relaunched on YouTube as 'Growing Up Putman', continuing to share family stories and their Christian faith.
The show’s cancellation did not stop their popularity; fans continued to follow them online, drawn to their warmth and authenticity.
As per the family’s Instagram bio, 10 adults and 20 children of the Putman clan were all “living together” as of 2025.
TLC fans and community mourn loss
As news of the crash spread, tributes poured in across social media.
Viewers shared memories of watching 'Meet the Putmans' and expressed sorrow at losing such central figures.
A fan wrote on Instagram, "Praying for comfort for the whole family, but especially for Blake and he and Megan’s kids. He’s lost his parents and his wife, and his kids lost two grandparents and their mom. Unimaginable loss for all.🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼."
Another said, "I'm hurting to my core for all of you so I know our host is in God and your family is present with jesus. You all have a great family to me. I will be praying for healing and I will be praying for comfort for all of you. This is definitely one of the saddest days of my life."
"I have never cried so hard for a family I've never met. I don't even have enough words to say how sorry I am for your loss. I am going on my knees in prayer for you and your family," read another comment.
Friends in Michigan described Bill and Barb as pillars of faith and family, and Megan as a devoted mother taken far too soon.
Locals have organized vigils and prayer circles, highlighting the Putmans’ enduring impact both on television and within their own community.
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