Actor Treat Williams, who was best known for his starring roles in Everwood and Hair, died Monday following a motorcycle crash in Dorset, according to Vermont State Police.
The Manchester Center resident was 71 years old.
Police said a preliminary investigation found that 35-year-old Ryan Koss, of Pownal, was driving south on Route 30 near Morse Hill Road when he tried to turn left into a parking lot. Williams, who was riding a 1986 Honda VT700c motorcycle north, was unable to avoid colliding with Koss’ Honda Element and was thrown from the bike.
Williams was airlifted to Albany Medical Center in New York, where he was pronounced dead. Koss sustained minor injuries, Vermont State Police said in a press release issued Monday night. The agency plans to continue its investigation Tuesday, it said.
Williams’ nearly 50-year career included more than 120 credits, according to People Magazine. He was nominated for Golden Globe awards for his role as George Berber in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical Hair and for his role as Daniel Ciello in the film Prince of the City. He also was nominated for two Screen Actors Guild Awards for his starring role as Dr. Andrew Brown in the television series Everwood.
In a statement issued Monday, Williams’ family members said they were “beyond devastated” at the news of his death.
“Treat was full of love for his family, for his life and for his craft, and was truly at the top of his game in all of it,” the family said. “It is all so shocking right now, but please know that Treat was dearly and deeply loved and respected by his family and everyone who knew him.”
