Ryan Koss, who fatally ran over Treat Williams, avoids jail

US News

By Patrick Reilly

The driver involved in the car crash 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 only a one-year deferred sentence and probation for 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, Koss, 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 accident,” Koss told the court.

Koss was turning left in a Honda van parking lot in Dorset on June 12 when he collided head-on with Williams’ motorcycle, police said.

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

Immediately after the crash, Koss called Williams’ wife to tell her what had just happened, Bennington County State’s Attorney Erica Marthage said.

Williams’ son Gill, 32, was wearing his father’s jacket and spoke directly to Koss, whom he had met before the accident. The family did not want to press charges or have Koss go to prison, he said.

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

“I really wish you hadn’t killed my father,” he added. “I really had to say that.”

Williams’ daughter, Ellie Williams, wrote in her statement that she was too angry to forgive Koss, but hoped to be able to do so in the future.

“I will never feel my father’s hug again; “I will be able to receive advice from him again, introduce him to my future husband, have him walk me down the aisle, introduce him to my babies, and make him cry when I name my first child after him,” he wrote.

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

Williams’ nearly 50-year career included starring roles in the television series “Everwood” and the film “Hair.” She appeared in more than 120 film and television 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 popular CBS series.

With post cables