GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Three members of a well-known TV family have died after a crash in Michigan’s Thumb region.
The crash, reported by the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office, occurred around 9 p.m. Friday evening near Cass City, approximately 40 miles east of Saginaw. According to multiple sources, the victims include Bill and Barb Putman, the well-known heads of the large family, along with their daughter-in-law, Megan, who all lost their lives in the incident.
Officials state that a semi-truck ran a stop sign and collided with their vehicle. All three victims were declared dead at the scene. Five additional individuals were transported to hospitals, with some suffering from critical injuries. A social media update from the family identified them as Blake, Lulu, Alena, Noah, and Gia.
The family asked for prayers and confirmed the deaths Saturday morning, saying “Papa, Neenee and Aunt Megan … have gone home to be with the Lord.”
“Even in this time of heartbreak, we rest in knowing that God is in control,” the post read.
The driver of the semi-truck and his passenger sustained minor injuries and were also hospitalized. The driver was later arrested, and authorities have forwarded a report to the Tuscola County Prosecutor’s Office to consider filing charges.
The Putman family gained fame from their appearance on a TLC series titled “Meet the Putmans.” The show, which aired six episodes in 2017, showcased Bill, Barb, their four children, and their extended family, who all resided together under one roof.
The show was revived as a YouTube series called “Growing Up Putman” in 2021.
