The driver of a car that killed “Everwood” actor Treat Williams while riding his motorcycle in Vermont last summer pleaded guilty Friday to a reduced charge of negligent driving.
Ryan Koss, 35, received just one year of probation and probation for the misdemeanor charge. His driver’s license will also be revoked for one year and he will be required to complete a community restorative justice program as part of his probation.
At Friday’s sentencing hearing, Koss, who knew Williams and considered him a friend, became overcome with emotion and apologized to Williams’ friends, family and fans.
“I’m here to apologize and take responsibility for this tragic accident,” Koss told the court.
Police said Koss was driving a Honda SUV in Dorset on June 12 when he was turning left into a parking lot when he collided head-on with Williams’ motorcycle.
Williams, 71, of Manchester Center, who was wearing a helmet, suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York, but could not be rescued.
Bennington County State’s Attorney Erica Marsage said Koss called Williams’ wife immediately after the accident to tell her what had happened.
Williams’ son Gil, 32, wore his father’s jacket and spoke directly to Koss, who he had met before the accident. The family did not want to press charges or put Koss in jail, he said.
“I forgive you, and I hope you can forgive yourself,” he said.
“I really wish you hadn’t killed my father,” he added. “I really had to say that.”
Mr Williams’ daughter, Ellie Williams, said in a statement that she was too angry to forgive Mr Koss, but hoped she would be able to do so in the future.
“I’ll never feel my father’s hug again. I’ll get his advice again, introduce my future husband, walk him down the aisle, introduce my babies, make my first son cry as I name him after him.” ,” she wrote.
Koss initially pleaded not guilty to the felony charge of professional negligence resulting in death. Had he been convicted of this charge, he could have been sentenced to up to 15 years in prison.
Williams’ nearly 50-year career also includes starring roles in the television series “Everwood” and the film “Hair.” He appeared in more than 120 television and film roles, including the films “The Eagle Has Landed,” “Prince of the City,” and “Once Upon a Time in America.”
This week, “Blue Bloods” said an emotional farewell to Williams, who played Lenny Ross on the hit CBS series.
with post wire
