Treat Williams (Everwood, Chesapeake Shores) died on June 12, 2023 at 71, according to Deadline. The cause of death for Williams was fatal traffic collision that occurred while Williams was riding his motorcycle. The man driving the car that collided with Williams is Ryan Koss. Koss has been charged due to the death of Williams, according to Deadline.
As of today, Koss pleaded not guilty in the death of Williams. Koss, 35, was turning left in his Honda SUV into a parking lot when he collided with Williams on his motorcycle. Shortly thereafter, Williams was pronounced dead at Albany Medical Center in New York.
Deadline notes that if Koss is convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison, as a result of gross negligent operation.
Koss allegedly knew Williams as a friend, as Koss is the managing creative director of the Dorset Theatre Festival in Vermont. In August, Koss issued a statement offering his “sincerest condolences” to Williams’ family and voiced that he was devastated by the death of Williams. After announcing his grievance, Koss denies wrongdoing on his part and states that the charges were not warranted.
Two months have passed since the passing of Williams, and Bennington County State’s Attorney has completed their review and charged Koss with “grossly negligent operation with death,” stated through a press release from the Vermont State Police.
After Koss’ vehicle “turned into the path of Mr. Williams motorcycle,” Williams suffered “critical injuries in the crash and [was] subsequently pronounced dead.” The official cause of death ruled by the medical examiner proved to be “severe trauma and blood loss as a result of the crash.”
Koss was cooperative with authorities and was booked on the charge and then released; his arraignment will take place today, September 25.
Following Williams’ passing, his family released a statement that is both heartwarming and wrenching. “Treat was full of love for his family, for his life and for his craft, and was truly at the top of his game in all of it. It is all so shocking right now, but please know that Treat was dearly and deeply loved and respected by his family and everyone who knew him. We are beyond devastated and ask that you respect our privacy as we deal with our grief. To all his fans, please know that Treat appreciated all of you and please continue to keep him in your hearts and prayers.”