Ryan Coss, who fatally struck Treat Williams, avoids prison

US News

by Patrick Reilly

The driver involved in the car crash that killed “Everwood” actor Treat Williams while he was riding his motorcycle in Vermont last summer pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of reckless driving on Friday.

Ryan Koss, 35, received only one year of deferred adjudication and probation on the misdemeanor charge. His driver's license was also revoked for one year and he must complete a community-based restorative justice program as part of his probation.

During Friday's sentencing hearing, Coss, who knew Williams and considered him a friend, was overcome with emotion as he apologized to the actor's friends, family and fans.

“I am here to apologize and take responsibility for this tragic incident,” Koss told the court.

Police said Koss was turning left into a parking lot in a Honda SUV in Dorset on June 12 when he collided head-on with Williams' motorcycle.

Williams, 71, of Manchester Center, who was wearing a helmet, was seriously injured and was airlifted to Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York, but could not be saved.

Bennington County State's Attorney Erica Marthag said Koss called Williams' wife immediately after the incident to tell her what had just happened.

Williams' son, Gil, 32, wore his father's jacket and spoke directly to Koss, whom he had met before the accident. He said the family did not want to press charges or for Kos to go to prison.

“I forgive you,” he said, “and I hope you forgive yourself.”

He added: “I really wish you hadn't killed my father.” “I really should have said that.”

Williams' daughter, Ellie Williams, wrote in her statement that she was too angry to forgive Koss, but she hoped she could in the future.

“I will never feel my father's embrace again; “Being able to get his advice again, introduce him to my future husband, have him walk me down the aisle, introduce him to my kids, and make him cry when I name my first son after him,” she wrote.

Koss had initially pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of grossly negligent operation resulting in death. If he had been convicted of this charge, he could have been sentenced to up to 15 years in prison.

Williams' career, which spanned nearly 50 years, included starring roles in the television series “Everwood” and the film “Hair.” He has 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” bid an emotional farewell to Williams, who played Lenny Ross on the hit CBS series.

With mail wires