The man responsible for the death of the late American actor Treat Williams has finally been charged, and a photo showing what he looks like has been revealed.
After news of the charges broke, the Williams family shared a recent “celebration of life” family photo.
Iconic American actor Treat Williams, deemed the heart of Hollywood since the 70s by his agent of 15 years, Barry McPherson, tragically passed away earlier this year at 71. Born on December 1, 1951, in Rowayton, Connecticut, to a corporate executive father and an antique dealing mother, Williams’ illustrious career dates back to 1975 when he made his movie debut in “Deadly Hero.”
The pinnacle of his career saw him land the starring role in the late 70s classic “Hair,” where he played George Berger. He is also best known for playing the leading role in the popular series “Everwood,” for which he earned a SAG Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series.
Before his untimely passing, Williams had over 120 acting credits throughout the trajectory of his profession, which spanned over four decades. The “Chicago Fire” talent met his demise after a fatal motorcycle accident on a late Monday afternoon near Dorset, Vermont. According to investigators and McPherson, Williams collided with a vehicle when a car cut him off while making a turn.
As reported by the Dorset, Vermont fire chief, first responders traveled to the crash site where a LifeNet helicopter received instructions to airlift Willaims to a New York hospital, where they failed to save him. A statement released by McPherson confirmed his death and heartfeltly expressed:
“I’m just devastated. He was the nicest guy. He was so talented.”
Apart from being an accomplished actor, Williams was also a doting husband and a loving father of two. “The Deep End of the Ocean” star is survived by his beloved wife of over 30 years, Pam Van Sant, 68, his son Gill Williams, 31, and his daughter Ellie Williams, 24.
Van Sant, who is also an actress and producer, married Williams in 1988. Though the couple had an apartment in New York, because of Williams’ previous busy work schedule, they primarily resided in Vermont in a beautiful farm home.
The late star’s children both grew up in the public eye and shared close bonds with their dad, who they adored. The eldest of the Williams family, Gill, is a New York University (NYU) graduate who pursued a career in the music industry and has an affinity for advancing efforts concerning social justice.
Gill’s sister, Ellie, attended the University of Vermont and lives in Los Angeles. She rushed to their family home in Vermont following her dad’s passing. When her father died, Ellie took to Instagram to post a gut-wrenching tribute to her beloved dad, which expressed the unbelievable amount of pain she felt due to the family’s devastating loss.
Koss voluntarily surrendered himself to troopers, and police processed the charge and photographed Koss before releasing him.
More recently, Williams’ surviving family — Ellie, her mother, and Gill, were photographed standing in front of a blue pick-up truck with flowers at the back of the truck. The new family photo was shared on Instagram to commemorate Williams’ Celebration of Life. The trio stood in the center smiling while Van Sant and Gill held the family dogs. The tearjerking caption read:
“As time passes, the grief doesn’t get any easier, but life is fragile. We are trying to live every day like it’s our last, and appreciate the time on this beautiful planet that we are lucky to call home. Here’s a picture from Treat’s Celebration of Life of the family.”
Nearly two months after Williams’ death, the man behind the wheel of the vehicle that crashed into the actor’s motorcycle is now facing charges. A photo of 35-year-old Ryan Koss has been released along with news of his charge.
On Tuesday, the New York Medical Examiner determined Williams’ cause of death to be the result of severe trauma and the loss of a significant amount of blood. Koss collided with Williams while driving a 2008 Honda Element.
After Erica Marthage, a Bennington County State’s Attorney, requested the Vermont State Police to issue a citation against Koss, the citation was issued, and Koss was charged with “grossly negligent operation with death.”
Koss voluntarily surrendered himself to troopers, and police processed the charge and photographed Koss before releasing him. His arraignment is scheduled to take place on September 25.
As the late actor’s family continues to mourn their loss, many who knew Williams, such as fellow actors and people he inspired, have extended their deepest condolences.
