The Putmans — stars of TLC’s ‘Meet the Putmans’ and YouTube’s ‘Growing Up Putman’ — confirm “Papa,” “Neenee” and Aunt Megan died in a crash; several relatives remain hospitalized.
Three members of the Putman reality TV family have died after a devastating car accident, the family announced on Instagram Saturday morning.
In a brief but heartfelt post, the family said “Papa, Neenee and Aunt Megan” have passed. The pair known as Papa and Neenee are the family’s patriarch and matriarch — Bill and Barb Putman — while Aunt Megan’s full name was not shared. The post did not include details about the crash itself.
Several other Putman family members were confirmed to be hospitalized. The family named Uncle Blake, Lulu, Alena, Noah and Gia as among those receiving care. No updates on their conditions were provided in the announcement.
The Putmans leaned on faith in their message, quoting John 14:27 — “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you… Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” — and saying they believe Papa, Neenee and Aunt Megan “are alive and whole in Heaven, standing before Jesus.”
The tone was grief-stricken but steady, reflecting a family turning to spirituality in the midst of unimaginable loss.
The Putman family rose to public attention through TLC’s Meet the Putmans, which followed Bill and Barb Putman and their extended household. The large family — the Instagram post notes they live with 10 adults and 20 kids under one roof — became known for their unconventional lifestyle and tight-knit home life set inside a sprawling house.
The family later revived their story online in a YouTube series called Growing Up Putman, though there hasn’t been a new episode in recent years.
Fans and followers of the family took to social media after the announcement, sharing condolences and memories of the Putmans’ on-camera warmth and chaotic charm. For many viewers, the family felt like a window into a life lived loudly and together — which makes the loss hit even harder for longtime supporters.
At this time, the Putman family has not released further details about the accident or funeral arrangements. The family’s Instagram remains the primary source for updates; in their post they asked for privacy and prayed for peace as they grieve.
Our thoughts are with the Putman family and everyone affected by this tragedy.
