Ryan Koss: Driver who killed Treat Williams receives lesser charge as victim's son opposes jail sentence
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
VERMONT, UNITED STATES: The Vermont man implicated in the car accident that resulted in the death of 71-year-old actor Treat Williams last summer, on June 12, entered a guilty plea to a reduced charge on Friday.
Furthermore, he has managed to evade imprisonment by pleading guilty to a lesser offense at the urging of the victim's family.
Ryan Koss, aged 35, received a one-year deferred sentence along with probation after admitting guilt to a misdemeanor count of negligent driving resulting in death.
Under the terms of probation, his driving privileges will be suspended for a year, and the Vermont resident must fulfill the community restorative justice program requirements.
Ryan Koss apologized to Treat Williams’ family during court hearing
According to Dailymail, Ryan Koss participated in an emotionally charged hearing on Friday, during which he extended condolences to the family and supporters of Treat Williams, stating, "I’m here to apologize and take responsibility for this tragic accident."
Responding to the apology, Treat Williams' son, Gill Williams, aged 32, expressed forgiveness, remarking, "I do forgive you and I hope that you forgive yourself."
Gill directly addressed Koss in court, conveying the family's reluctance to pursue charges or seek his incarceration. "I truly wish you hadn't taken my father's life. It's something I felt compelled to say," Gill expressed.
Gill also reflected on his father's significance to their family, describing him as an extraordinary individual who lived life to the fullest.
He acknowledged the difficulty in moving forward after such a loss, emphasizing the devastating impact of negligence and urging vigilance on the road, particularly concerning motorcycle safety.
Although Treat Williams' wife, Pam, and daughter, Ellie, were absent from the court proceedings, they issued statements that were read aloud.
Pam conveyed in her statement, "Our lives will never be the same, our family has been torn apart and there is a huge hole that can’t possibly be filled."
In Ellie's statement, she expressed her present inability to forgive Koss but expressed hope for eventual reconciliation.
Ellie lamented in her statement, "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."
Who is Ryan Koss?
Ryan Koss, the managing creative director of the Dorset Theatre Festival in Vermont, had a longstanding acquaintance with Williams, considering him a friend due to their professional interactions over the years.
An eyewitness account revealed that Koss collided with the motorcycle, causing Williams to be ejected from his bike and land on the pavement, despite wearing a helmet.
According to reports from Vermont State Police, the collision occurred when Koss' Honda crossed into the northbound lane of the V-30, intersecting with Williams' 1986 Honda VT700c motorcycle around 4:53 pm.
Williams was unable to avoid the collision and was thrown from his motorcycle. Police confirmed that Koss was not intoxicated.
Despite being rushed to the hospital with critical injuries, the Golden Globe-nominated actor was pronounced dead.
Initially, Koss pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of grossly negligent operation resulting in death, which could have carried a sentence of up to 15 years in prison upon conviction.
Williams had enjoyed a prolific nearly 50-year career, featuring notable roles in television series like 'Everwood' and films such as 'Hair.'
His extensive filmography comprised over 120 TV and movie appearances, including memorable performances in 'The Eagle Has Landed,' 'Prince of the City,' and 'Once Upon a Time in America.'
