The truck driver involved in the crash that killed three members of TLC's Meet the Putmans family has been officially charged. The Tuscola County Sheriff's Office in Michigan announced on Monday, September 29, that the driver identified as Pavel B Shchukin has been charged with three counts of moving violation causing death. He has also been charged with five counts of moving violation causing serious impairment of a body function. The driver, 55, is from Florida, according to the report and is currently being held on a $100,000 cash bail or surety bond at the Tuscola County Jail. Shchukin was involved in a fatal crash on Friday, September 26, in Michigan, where his commercial semi-truck collided with the Putman's Jeep. According to police, Shchukin failed to stop at a stop sign and struck the Jeep that was carrying eight Putman family members. Meet the Putmans' Family Guide: Kids, Spouses, Grandkids and More "Of the eight occupants in the Jeep, three were pronounced deceased on scene. All other occupants of the Jeep were transported to respective hospitals by helicopter and MMR, some in critical condition," authorities said via Facebook on Saturday, September 27. "The driver and passenger of the semi-truck were transported to the hospital for minor injuries. The driver of the semi-truck was subsequently arrested and a report is being forwarded to the Prosecutor for formal charges." The family later confirmed that Bill "Papa" Putman, his wife, Barb "Neenee" Putman, and their daughter-in-law Megan Putman were killed in the accident. Tuscola County Sheriff's Office "I come to you with a heavy heart, asking for your prayers. Our family was in a tragic car accident and we lost Papa, Neenee and Aunt Megan," a statement shared via the family's @GrowingUpPutmans Instagram account read on Saturday. "They have gone home to be with the Lord." Five other members of the former reality TV show - identified by the family as "Uncle Blake, Lulu, Alena, Noah and Gia" - were hospitalized following the crash. According to the family's social media update on Sunday, September 28, Noah was still sedated but "responding to us with movement," while Gia underwent a craniotomy that helped her brain pressure "down significantly." (A craniotomy is a procedure that removes a section of the skull to access the brain, usually due to swelling.) Driver in Crash That Killed Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Faces New Charges Fans were introduced to the Putman family on TLC's Meet the Putmans in 2017. The show followed Bill and Barb and their four children, Billy Putman, Brandon Putman, Blake Putman and Blair Putman, as well as their respective spouses and, at the time, 15 grandchildren, all of whom lived under the same roof. Blake's wife, Megan, was one of the three family members killed in the crash earlier this month. Blake was one of the individuals hurt in the accident along with his and Megan's daughters Lulu and Alena and their son Noah. Everything to Know About 'Meet the Putmans' Family Fatal Accident Blake's brother Brandon was also injured in the crash as was his and wife Kacie Putman's daughter, Gia. While the series was short-lived - it was cancelled after six episodes - the large family continued to document their lives via YouTube. Fans have also been keeping up with the family's healing process and medical updates via social media, which the Putmans haven't taken for granted. "Thank you all of the continued prayers, love and support. We feel your strength and faith surrounding us," the family wrote via Instagram on Sunday. "Please keep lifting Noah and Gia up as they heal."
Us Weekly
Critical Driver Charged in Crash That Killed 3 Members of 'Meet the Putmans' Family
September 30, 2025
2 months ago
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