Three members of the Putman family, who once had their own TLC show, “Meet the Putmans,” have died in a car crash that also injured several others, the family said Saturday.
Bill “Papa” Putman, his wife, Barb, who often goes by Neenee, and their daughter-in-law Megan were killed in the crash, a statement released by the family said.
Several other family members, identified as “Uncle Blake, Lulu, Alena, Noah and Gia,” are in the hospital, the statement said.
“We are asking for complete healing and strength for each of them,” the statement said.
The statement thanked people for their support and also asked for prayers for the whole family “as we walk through this deep loss.”
“Thank you for every prayer, message, and act of love. Your support means more than words can express,” the statement said.
The Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office in Michigan confirmed a two-vehicle crash Friday night was the same incident referenced in the Putman family statement.
The office said a southbound loaded commercial semi-truck failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with an eastbound Jeep that was carrying eight residents of nearby Cass City.
Three of the people in the Jeep died at the scene, and the other five were taken to hospitals, some in critical condition, it said.
The driver and passenger in the semi-truck had minor injuries and were also taken to a hospital. The driver was arrested and is awaiting formal charges, the sheriff’s office said.
“We are asking the public to please pay more attention when driving,” the office said. “We are having far too many crashes that are destroying people’s lives.”
Cass City is about 100 miles north of Detroit.
“Meet the Putmans” aired for one season on TLC in 2017. It followed the family of 25 living together. TLC and Warner Bros. Discovery did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Though its TV run was short-lived, the family rebooted the series in 2021 on YouTube as “Growing Up Putman.”
Following news of the crash, comments poured in on social media from viewers and fans.
“I’m incredibly shaken to hear of this great tragedy. Your sweet Neenee, Papa, and Aunt Megan leave such a beautiful legacy and testimony,” one person wrote on Instagram.
“Loved you all since your show and I’m heartbroken for you… prayers for all of you for peace and comfort,” another added.
