Ryan Koss, who fatally struck Treat Williams, avoids jail

US News

By Patrick Reilly

The driver involved in the vehicle crash that killed “Everwood” actor Treat Williams as he rode his motorcycle in Vermont last summer pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of negligent driving on Friday.

Ryan Koss, 35, received just a one-year deferred sentence and probation for the misdemeanor charge. His driver’s license has also been revoked for one year and he must complete a community restorative justice program as part of his probation.

During the sentencing hearing on Friday, Koss, who knew Williams and considered him a friend, became overwhelmed with emotion while apologizing to the actor’s friends, family and fans.

“I’m here to apologize and take responsibility for this tragic accident,” Koss told the court.

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, 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, wore his father’s jacket and spoke directly to Koss, whom he had met before the crash. The family did not want to press charges or have Koss go to prison, he said.

“I do forgive you, and I hope that 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 she would be able to in the future.

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

Koss had initially pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of gross negligent operation with death resulting. 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 TV series “Everwood” and the movie “Hair.” He appeared in more than 120 TV and film roles, including the movies “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 popular CBS series.

With Post wires