Lydia Plath, a cast member of the reality show Welcome to Plathville, recently shared her reflections on the tragic death of her younger brother, Joshua Plath, during an episode of “The Jinger & Jeremy Podcast.” The incident, which occurred in July 2008, claimed the life of Joshua when he was just 17 months old. Lydia, now 21, recounted the impact this event had on her family, particularly on her mother, Kim Plath.
During the podcast, released on July 23, 2023, Lydia described the accident as a “very tragic” event that left a lasting emotional scar on their family. “We had a sibling pass at 17 months when I was 4 years old and it was in the hands of my mom,” she stated. The accident occurred on the family farm, where Kim accidently ran over Joshua with a vehicle. The incident was ruled an accident, with head injuries cited as the official cause of death.
Family Silence and Emotional Impact
Lydia expressed that the family has struggled to discuss the tragedy openly. “Because it affected her so much, we couldn’t talk about it,” she noted. This avoidance of conversation around such a significant life event has influenced how the family communicates about deeper issues. “We just didn’t talk about it,” Lydia explained, emphasizing how this led to a broader reluctance to engage in discussions about difficult topics.
In an earlier episode of Welcome to Plathville, Kim reflected on the day of Joshua’s passing. “It was a normal day, and we were doing some yard work,” she recalled. “I pulled a vehicle forward — I had just seen him. So, I thought I was OK, but I pulled forward and I ran over him.” The emotional toll of that moment was profound, with Kim describing the following months as “hell on Earth” for her and her family. She acknowledged that both she and her husband, Barry Plath, had to navigate their grief separately while also supporting each other.
Impact on the Plath Family Dynamics
The tragic loss has shaped the dynamics within the Plath family. Lydia’s comments reflect a broader struggle with grief and communication that resonates with many families who experience similar tragedies. The inability to discuss the “hardest thing in our life” has created barriers within their family, impacting their relationships and emotional health.
As Welcome to Plathville continues to air its seventh season, the series provides an intimate look at the lives of Kim, Barry, and their children: Ethan, Hosanna, Micah, Moriah, Lydia, Isaac, Amber, Cassia, and Mercy. The program, which first premiered in 2019, has captured audience attention with its portrayal of family life and the challenges they face, including the recent announcement of Kim and Barry’s separation after 24 years of marriage.
Lydia’s candid remarks serve as a reminder of the complexities of family grief and the importance of open communication in healing.
