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The driver in the Vermont crash that killed Treat Williams accepted a plea deal that will allow him to avoid prison, WTEN Reports. Ryan Koss, 35, pleaded guilty Friday to a reduced charge of careless driving resulting in death. According to at CNN, a judge ruled that Koss' sentencing would be delayed for a year. During this probation period, Koss will have his license revoked and will be required to complete mental health counseling and a restorative justice program. He previously pleaded not guilty to the original charge of gross negligence causing death, which could have meant up to 15 years in prison. (With the less serious charge, he only faces up to two years in prison if he violates his probation.)
Koss collided with Williams' motorcycle in Dorset, Vermont, in June. Williams was airlifted to a New York hospital and eventually died at age 71. By AP News, Koss had known Williams for years through the Vermont theater community and considered him a friend. Koss expressed his “deepest apologies and condolences” to the actor's family during Friday's hearing. “I am here to acknowledge that this accident happened because I turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle that collided with my car,” Koss told the court, “and it was my responsibility to prevent this from happening, and for that I am truly sorry.”
Williams' son, Gil, attended the hearing and spoke directly to Koss. “I forgive you and I hope you forgive yourself, and I don’t want you to go to prison,” Gil said, emphasizing that his family has not filed charges. Still, he added, “I really wish you hadn’t killed my father.” I really had to say it. Williams' wife, Pam, was not present. According to Bennington County Attorney Erica Marthage, Koss called Pam after the accident to tell her what happened. In a statement read aloud in court, she said she hoped Koss could forgive himself for what she described as a tragic accident.