The Putman family is sharing an update on their injured relatives after several family members were involved in a fatal car accident.
“We wanted to share an update and continue asking for prayers for Noah, Gia and our entire family,” a statement shared via the family’s Growing Up Putmans Instagram account read on Wednesday, October 8. “We can truly feel the power of your prayers and God’s presence through every up and down. Please continue to keep the faith and keep praying for Noah, Gia and our family as we walk this long road of healing.”
In the latest update, the family confirmed Gia, 11, is still hospitalized following a tragic car accident on September 26.
The Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office in Michigan previously confirmed via a statement that a two-vehicle crash occurred after a commercial semi truck failed to stop at a stop sign. As a result, the truck collided with a Jeep that was carrying eight residents of nearby Cass City.
The Putman family confirmed that Bill “Papa” Putman, his wife, Barb “Neenee” Putman, and their daughter-in-law, Megan Putman, were killed in the crash. Other family members were hospitalized with various injuries.
“Gia had a rough night, no one got much sleep. Her ICP and blood pressure were high and unstable for awhile, but praise God, the doctors were able to get things under control,” the family said on Wednesday. “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.”
Blake, 37, Lulu, 13, and Alena, 11, are “still recovering,” but the family said they have been discharged “and are doing well.”
Another family member making progress is Blake and Megan’s 15-year-old son, Noah.
“Noah is doing well in rehab and continuing to amaze us. He’s been sleeping better, talking, eating and moving around more each day,” the statement read. “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.”
Meet the Putmans aired on TLC for one season in 2017, introducing the country to the family of 25 as they navigated the ups and downs of all living together.
Although its TV run was short-lived, the family tried to reboot the series in 2021 via YouTube. The last episode of Growing Up Putman appeared to be posted in January 2025.
As the Putman family tries to move forward following the fatal accident, the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office announced on September 29 that Pavel B Shchukin, who was allegedly driving the commercial truck that struck the Putman family, has been charged with eight counts in connection with the accident.
He was charged with three counts of moving violation causing death and five counts of moving violation causing serious impairment of a body function.
The Putman family has not publicly commented on the investigation. Instead, they have continuously expressed gratitude for the fans and followers offering them encouragement.
“Thank you all for the continued prayers, love and support,” the family wrote via Instagram on September 28. “We feel your strength and faith surrounding us. Please keep lifting Noah and Gia up as they heal.”
