TLC’s “Meet the Putmans” stars gave an update on two of the family members that survived the deadly car accident that killed three relatives.
On Friday night, family patriarch Bill “Papa” Putman, his wife Barb, who goes by “Neenee,” and their daughter-in-law Megan died in a crash near Detroit, while five other members of the Michigan-based family were hospitalized.
The Putmans released a statement on Instagram Sunday with updates on Megan and Blake’s son Noah and their niece Gia, along with pictures of each of them unconscious in the hospital.
“We wanted to share an update on Noah and Gia and ask that you continue to keep them in your prayers,” the family wrote.
“Noah is still sedated, but we are so grateful to see that he is responding to us with movement,” the statement read. “Every small sign reminds us that God is at work and hearing our prayers.”
Gia, meanwhile, “underwent a craniotomy” Saturday night after the accident, the family said.
“We are thankful to report that her care team shared some encouraging news, her brain pressure has gone down significantly,” Gia’s loved ones shared. “This is a powerful reminder that God’s hand is on her, guiding her healing every step of the way.”
“Through it all, we continue to hold tightly to our faith, knowing that God has a plan and a purpose for everything,” the Putmans continued. “Even in the hardest moments, He is present, working in ways we may not yet understand.”
“Thank you all for the continued prayers, love and support. We feel your strength and faith surrounding us,” the family added, asking fans to “please keep lifting Noah and Gia up as they heal.”
The accident occurred when semi-truck ran through a stop sign and collided with the Putmans’ jeep at a rural intersection near Cass City, located north of Detroit, according to the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office.
Police said Bill, Barb and Megan were pronounced dead on the scene, while the five other family members “were transported to respective hospitals by helicopter and MMR, some in critical condition.”
The family confirmed the tragedy in a heartbreaking statement.
“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,” the message read.
“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,” the family also wrote.
Three days before the crash, Barb praised her “incredible husband” in an emotional post celebrating his birthday.
“You, Bill, are my best friend and I am so grateful for you. You bring joy and laughter into my life. I am who I am because of you,” Barb said on Instagram. “You are an amazing husband, an awesome dad, an inspirational papa and a faithful friend.”
“Meet the Putmans” ran on TLC for one season in 2017. The family rebooted the series on YouTube in 2021 as “Growing Up Putman.”
The family’s Instagram bio claimed that there were 10 adults and 20 kids of the Putman clan all “living together” as of 2025.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
