In BENNINGTON, Vt., on Friday, a Vermont man, Ryan Koss, 35, entered a guilty plea to a downgraded charge of negligent driving with death resulting in connection to the June accident that claimed the life of actor Treat Williams. Having had prior acquaintance with Williams, Koss received a one-year deferred sentence. As a condition of his probation, his driving license will be revoked for a year, and he is mandated to complete a community restorative justice program pertaining to the misdemeanor charge.

On June 12, Koss, driving a Honda SUV, made a left turn into a parking lot, colliding with actor Treat Williams' oncoming motorcycle in Dorset, as stated by the police. Williams, aged 71 and residing in Manchester Center, sustained critical injuries despite wearing a helmet. He was airlifted to Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York, where he was later pronounced dead.

Following the incident, Koss promptly contacted Williams' wife to inform her about the tragic event, according to Bennington County State’s Attorney Erica Marthage. Marthage noted that Koss has consistently accepted responsibility for the accident.

During the emotional hearing on Friday, Koss expressed apologies and offered condolences to Williams' family and fans. As the managing creative director of the Dorset Theatre Festival in Vermont, Koss had known Williams for years within the close-knit community and regarded him as a friend and fellow theater member.

"I'm here to apologize and take responsibility for this tragic accident," Koss stated before the court.

Gill Williams, 32, son of Treat Williams, wore his father's jacket and directly addressed Koss, whom he had met before the crash. The family opted not to press charges or seek imprisonment for Koss. Gill expressed forgiveness, stating, "I do forgive you, and I hope that you forgive yourself." However, he added the poignant sentiment, "I really wish you hadn't killed my father. I really had to say that."

Gill emphasized his father's significance to the family, describing him as an extraordinary person who lived life to the fullest. He disclosed that Treat Williams had given him the motorcycle just a day before the tragic crash and highlighted his father's reputation as "the safest person in the world." Gill emphasized the difficulty of coping with such a loss due to someone's negligence, urging greater seriousness in driving and heightened awareness for motorcycles.

Statements from Williams' wife, Pam, and his daughter, who were absent from the court hearing, were read aloud. Pam acknowledged the accident as tragic and expressed hope for Koss to find forgiveness, stating that their lives are forever changed, leaving an unfillable void.

Daughter Ellie, in her statement, revealed her current struggle with anger and hurt, making forgiveness challenging. She conveyed her profound loss, emphasizing the irreplaceable moments she would never experience with her father, from his hugs to introducing him to her future husband and children.

Initially pleading not guilty to a felony charge of gross negligent operation with death resulting, Koss could have faced up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Treat Williams, with a nearly 50-year career, was known for starring roles in "Everwood" and "Hair," as well as over 120 TV and film appearances, including "The Eagle Has Landed," "Prince of the City," and "Once Upon a Time in America."