Driver in crash that killed Treat Williams pleads not guilty in court
The driver involved in the crash that killed “Everwood” actor Treat Williams pleaded not guilty Monday to a charge stemming from the June collision.
Ryan Koss, 35, of Vermont could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison if he’s convicted of gross negligent operation causing death.
Williams, 71, was driving a motorcycle on Vermont Route 30 in Dorset on June 12 when Koss turned into his path, causing the actor to strike his SUV and be tossed off his bike, according to Vermont Police.
Koss was attempting to turn left into a parking lot in his 2008 Honda Element when he crossed directly in front of the Hollywood star driving a 1986 Honda VT700c motorcycle.
“Williams was unable to avoid a collision and was thrown from his motorcycle,” Vermont State Police said in the report.
Williams, who was wearing a helmet, was airlifted to Albany Medical Center in New York where he was pronounced dead.
The New York Medical Examiner determined that the actor’s cause of death was severe trauma and blood loss as a result of the crash, police said.
Koss, meanwhile, was not injured in the crash.
On Aug. 1, Bennington County State’s Attorney Erica Marthage requested Vermont State Police issue the citation against Koss.
He voluntarily met troopers at the Shaftsbury Barracks, where he was processed on the charge, photographed and released.
Koss, the managing creative director of the Dorset Theatre Festival in Vermont, said he knew Williams for years as a member of the tight-knit community and a fellow theater member and considered him a friend.
He issued a statement in August saying he was devastated by Williams’ death and offered his “sincerest condolences” to Williams’ family, but he denied wrongdoing and said charges weren’t warranted.
Williams was known for his breakout role as George Berger in the 1979 film “Hair,” which earned him a Golden Globe nomination.
He was also a two-time SAG Award nominee for his role as Dr. Andrew Brown in The WB television series “Everwood.”
