The Putman family of TLC’s Meet the Putmans took to social media this week with a health update nearly two weeks after several members of their family were involved in a tragic car crash that left three dead and others seriously injured. The family also revealed the funeral plans for their late loved ones.
As The Ashley told you last week, Putman patriarch Bill “Papa” Putman was among those killed in the accident, along with his wife, Barb “Neenee” Putman, and the couple’s daughter-in-law Megan Putman, wife of Blake Putman. Meanwhile, Blake was hospitalized following the car crash, as were two of his daughters, Lulu and Alena, his son, Noah, and niece Gia– daughter of Brandon Putman and wife Kacie.
In a statement posted to the family’s Facebook page on Wednesday, the Putmans shared that Blake, Lulu and Alena had been discharged from the hospital; however, they revealed that Gia and Noah remain hospitalized and seemingly have a long road to recovery ahead of them.
“Gia had a rough night, no one got much sleep,” the statement read. “Her [intracranial pressure] and blood pressure were high and unstable for a while, but praise God, the doctors were able to get things under control. She’s doing better now and they’re focusing on keeping her stable and taking it one day at a time. They were also able to remove her chest tube today, which is such a blessing and another step forward.”
In an update posted to social media last week, the family shared that Gia had undergone a craniotomy and that her brain pressure had “gone down significantly,” which her care team called “encouraging news.”
As for Noah, the Putmans shared Wednesday that the teen is “doing well in rehab and continuing to amaze us.” (In last week’s update, the Putmans had shared that Noah was “still sedated,” but “responding to us with movement.”)
“He’s sleeping better, talking, eating, and moving around more each day,” they shared this week. “In occupational therapy today, he was walking back and forth and even bouncing a ball on the floor! His biggest area of recovery right now is cognitive therapy, but we know God is working and healing him in His perfect timing.”
The family concluded their update by asking fans to continue praying for “Noah, Gia and our family as we walk this long road of healing.” 
As The Ashley previously reported, eight members of the Putman family were involved in the September 26 crash, which occurred in Tuscola County, Michigan, when a semi-truck collided with the family’s Jeep. The driver of the semi-truck– 55-year-old Pavel B. Schukin of Florida– reportedly ran a stop sign, causing the fatal accident. The man and his passenger were taken to the hospital for minor injuries, where the driver was ultimately arrested.
According to The Sun, the driver is being charged with three counts of “moving violation causing death” (one count for each family member that was killed) and five counts of “moving violation causing serious impairment of a body’s function” (one count for each injured family member).
Earlier this week, the Putnam family posted a link to the online obituaries for Bill, Barb and Megan to its Facebook page. The obit contained information on the memorial service for all three Putnams lost in the crash.
“A funeral service to celebrate their lives will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Caro First Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Ellington Township Cemetery in Caro. The Putman family will be present to receive visitors on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at Caro First Baptist Church from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Family and loved ones are invited to join us in worship, remembrance, and thanksgiving for the gift that God sent us His one and only Son so we could one day be in Heaven.”
The Putnams also asked fans and friends to share their favorite memories of Bill, Barb and Megan.
“We, the family, ask that if you would like to share a memory, please write it down and send it to PO Box 444, Caro, MI 48723.”
RELATED STORY: Three Stars of TLC’s ‘Meet the Putmans’ Reality Show Killed in Horrific Car Crash; Other Family Members Seriously Injured
(Photos: TLC; Instagram; Facebook)
2 Responses
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family on their road to recovery. My family has faced similar incidents and brain injuries are both frightening and frustrating, on the road to recovery.
I hope because the kids are so young as their rehab will go easier and be thorough. Younger brains have much more nueuoplasticity, which should allow for their brains to more easily form those new pathways needed than someone older. Often the tbi also cause emotional flares which can compound the frustration, and I hope they all are getting support, people using the grief circle etc.
I am devastated by this tragic news about the Putman family. I can’t find the words to properly express my sarrow. I am praying for the entire family, the loss is so great a beautiful Mother, Grandparents, Aunt, injured children it’s unimaginable! I am lighting candles this evening for the entire family at mass. I pray you find comfort in our Lord almighty. I pray for the full recovery for Dr. Blake and all the children. God bless you all! Deepest sympathy, Debbie