Treat Williams’ fatal motorcycle crash led to a criminal case, a guilty plea, and a sentencing hearing where his family did not ask for prison time.
The Everwood and Hair actor died on June 12, 2023, after a crash in Dorset, Vermont. He was 71.
People revisited the case three years later, including the crash investigation, Ryan Koss’ guilty plea, and the court hearing where Williams’ son, Gill Williams, publicly forgave Koss.
Williams left behind his wife, Pam Van Sant, and their two children, Gill and Ellie. His final screen work included the FX miniseries Feud: Capote vs. The Swans.
The Crash Happened in Dorset, Vermont
Williams was riding his motorcycle in Dorset when a Honda Element driven by Koss turned into his path, according to Vermont State Police reporting cited by VermontBiz. Williams suffered critical injuries and was later pronounced dead at Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York.
The Medical Examiner’s Office in New York determined that Williams died from severe trauma and blood loss. People reported that Williams had lived in nearby Manchester Center and was known in the Vermont community beyond his acting career.
Koss First Faced a Felony Charge
Koss was initially cited on a charge of grossly negligent operation with death resulting after the Bennington County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the crash investigation. He initially pleaded not guilty.
The case changed in March 2024, when Koss pleaded guilty to a reduced misdemeanor charge of negligent driving with death resulting. The Associated Press reported that Koss knew Williams and that the original felony charge could have carried prison time if he had been convicted.
He Received a Deferred Sentence
Koss received a one-year deferred sentence after the guilty plea. AP reported that his driver’s license was revoked for one year and that he was ordered to complete a community restorative justice program.
People also reported that Koss was ordered to undergo mental health counseling. In court, Koss apologized to Williams’ family, loved ones, fans, and the community, and acknowledged that he had turned in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
Williams’ Son Forgave Him in Court
Gill Williams told Koss during the sentencing hearing that he forgave him and did not want him to go to prison, according to People.
“I do forgive you and I hope you forgive yourself,” Gill said in court, according to People. “And I don’t want you to go to prison.”
Gill also said nothing would bring his father back and described the crash as negligence rather than malice. The family’s statement helped shape the sentencing hearing, but it did not erase the loss that followed the June 2023 crash.
Williams’ Career Stretched Across Film, TV, and Theater
Williams broke through in the 1979 movie version of Hair and later appeared in Prince of the City, Once Upon a Time in America, and dozens of other film and television roles.
Television audiences knew him as Dr. Andy Brown on Everwood. He also appeared on Blue Bloods, Chicago Fire, White Collar, Chesapeake Shores, and several Hallmark projects.
People reported that one of his final roles was in Feud: Capote vs. The Swans. Vogue’s cast guide for the FX series lists Williams as William S. Paley, opposite Naomi Watts as Babe Paley.
His Family Spoke About His Final Role
In January 2024, Williams’ wife and children spoke to People about grieving him and preserving his memory. Pam Van Sant said the suddenness of his death left the family without time to prepare.
She also said Williams had been “truly in his element” while filming Feud: Capote vs. The Swans. Gill described his father’s legacy as something beautiful to carry, while Ellie said his love still shaped the family’s life.