The controversial reality show Welcome To Plathville has faced criticism for Barry and Kim Plath’s unconventional parenting approach. However, amidst the controversy, the Plath family has endured their fair share of hardships. One tragic event, in particular, has left an indelible mark on their lives and brought the family closer together. The heart-wrenching loss of their seventeen-month-old son, Joshua, continues to haunt Barry and Kim as they open up about the devastating accident.
In a two-hour episode of Welcome to Plathville that aired in July 2022, Barry and Kim Plath courageously shared the details of the horrific incident that took place in 2008. While the show primarily focuses on the Plath family’s journey of raising their nine children, the devastating loss of their tenth child occurred right in their own backyard. Despite their efforts to provide a sanctuary of life on their family farm, tragedy struck, leaving an enduring impact on the entire Plath family.
Nearly sixteen years ago, in the fall of 2008, Kim was moving fruit trees on their Georgia farm using her vehicle. Unbeknownst to her, Joshua had wandered into the area just as she hit him. Lydia, Isaac, and Ethan were in the Suburban nearby, while Moriah was also in the vicinity. Lydia, being young at the time, couldn’t fully comprehend the gravity of the situation. Any parent knows how quickly toddlers can move, and the thought of a child darting into an unseen area is a nightmare. Kim carries an immense burden of guilt over her son’s death, expressing, “I had just seen him, and I thought it was okay.” However, she painfully admits, “But I ran over him.”
Raising children can be challenging for any couple, but at the time of the accident, Barry and Kim Plath had seven young children to care for, with Kim also being pregnant with their eighth child. According to an article in the Thomasville Times-Enterprise from September 2008, an investigation conducted by the Grady County Sheriff’s Office concluded that Joshua’s death was accidental. Investigator Daniel Singletary provided more insight into the incident, stating, “The mother was pulling the vehicle forward — she had been doing yard work — and thought she had accounted for all the kids. She had seven children, ages 15 months to 10 years old, and they were all outside playing. She thought everyone was accounted for, moved the vehicle forward, and discovered she’d run over the youngest.” Despite the efforts of medical personnel at the scene, they were unable to save Joshua, and he was pronounced dead.
The tragic loss of Joshua took a severe toll on Kim’s mental health. In a now-deleted essay on the family website, she revealed the depths of her depression and the torment she experienced following the accident. She admitted, “I woke up every morning and functioned. But just barely. I wanted to die.” The weight of the tragedy left her feeling broken and empty.
Barry and Kim Plath faced immense challenges as they trudged through grief. While their marriage eventually ended in divorce in recent months, the tragedy played a significant role in their lives. Kim acknowledges Barry’s unwavering support during their shared mourning, stating, “My husband was dealing with losing his son and his wife. I was gone. Checked out. Unavailable for conversations or reality.” Despite growing apart in subsequent years, Kim praises Barry for standing by her side throughout the grieving process. She reflects on the strength and love he demonstrated, saying, “He never did [accuse me]. He never even hinted at anything like that.” His steadfastness brought her solace, as she gratefully acknowledges, “He was strong. He just loved me.” In a confessional interview, Barry tearfully reveals that he knew Kim carried the heavy burden of guilt and intentionally refrained from assigning blame for the tragic accident.
In 2022, the Plath family set aside their differences and came together to commemorate what would have been Joshua’s fifteenth birthday. Barry emphasized the impact Joshua had on their lives, stating, “He lived a short life, but he made a big impression. His memory lives on through the older children into the younger children.” Moriah, who witnessed her brother’s death and still experiences flashbacks, believes that the family’s refusal to address Joshua’s death in the past has led to her lingering trauma. However, she hoped that the graveside reunion would provide some therapeutic closure for the family. Moriah shared, “Just to remember the good in it and kind of reflect on that instead of what I always think of when I first think of him.” She now holds onto the belief that even in death, Joshua continues to bring the family together.