A driver is set to be charged in connection with actor Treat Williams' death on June 12. The former Everwood star and Hallmark Channel mainstay passed away at age 71 after he was hit by an oncoming vehicle while riding his motorcycle in his home state of Vermont.
According to an Aug. 1 Vermont State Police news release, the state's attorney's office will charge Vermont native Ryan Koss, 35, with "grossly negligent operation with death" for his role in the fatal crash. A now-concluded investigation ruled that Koss' SUV pulled out in front of Williams' motorcycle, and that the actor could not have avoided the collision.
Williams was thrown from his motorcycle and suffered critical injuries. He was airlifted to Albany Medical Center in New York, where he was pronounced dead. Williams' cause of death was ruled to be severe trauma and blood loss. Koss had minor injuries that did not require hospitalization.
The findings echo initial reports surrounding Williams' death. The actor's agent of 15 years, Barry McPherson, confirmed his death to People in June, telling the outlet, "He was making a left or a right [and] a car cut him off. I'm just devastated. He was the nicest guy. He was so talented."
In the wake of Williams' death, heartfelt condolences poured out from his friends and co-stars. Joe Pickett star Sharon Lawrence, who played Williams' onscreen wife in The Christmas House, posted a tribute to the actor on Twitter that included behind-the-scenes photos of the pair filming the Hallmark Christmas movie. "I'm just stunned," Lawrence wrote in the caption. "My heart aches for the loss. What a remarkable man."
Williams' decades-spanning career took off with his iconic portrayal of George Berger in the 1979 film adaptation of the Broadway musical Hair. He earned a SAG nomination for his portrayal of Andy Brown in the much-loved WB series Everwood, which spanned four seasons. Williams also starred in a number of Hallmark films and television series, and had recurring roles on shows like Chicago Fire and Hart of Dixie.
Koss was processed on the charge of gross negligence on Aug. 1, and is due to appear in court in September to be formally charged.
