Hair star Treat Williams, 71, is killed in crash near his $1M Vermont home after slamming his motorbike into oncoming Honda being driven by man, 35, who was turning left into parking lot

Actor Treat Williams has died at the age of 71 after crashing his motorcycle into an oncoming car near his Vermont home.

The Golden Globe-nominated actor was thrown from his bike after smashing into the vehicle as it turned left into a parking lot by Long Trail Auto near Dorset on Monday.

‘Williams was unable to avoid a collision,’ police said in a release which named the Honda driver as 35-year-old Ryan Koss. The driver has not been arrested but an investigation remains ongoing.

Williams – who was wearing a helmet – ‘suffered critical injuries’ and was taken by helicopter to Albany Medical Center in New York where he was pronounced dead.

The actor, best known for his roles in Everwood and Hair, was enjoying his weekend mowing the lawn at his $1million Vermont home just hours before the tragedy.

He was married to actress Pam Van Sant, and together they had two children, Gille and Ellie – and often shared his idyllic country life for his fans on social media.

DailyMail.com has contacted Koss for comment. 

The collision occurred at 4.53pm on Monday as Williams was riding his 1986 Honda VT700c motorcycle.

Koss of Pownal, Vermont, was driving a 2008 Honda Element and had signaled before he turned left across the oncoming lane towards the parking lot.

‘Initial investigation indicates the Element stopped, signaled a left turn, and then turned into the path of a northbound 1986 Honda VT700c motorcycle operated by Williams. Williams was unable to avoid a collision and was thrown from his motorcycle,’ the cops said.  

Koss had minor injuries from the crash. Police confirmed no one had been arrested as of Monday night, but an investigation is ongoing. 

Following the tragic news, Barry McPherson, his agent, told People: ‘He was killed this afternoon. 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.’ 

‘He was an actor’s actor. Filmmakers loved him. He’s been the heart of the Hollywood since the late 1970s. 

‘He was really proud of his performance this year. He’s been so happy with the work that I got him. 

‘He’s had a balanced career.’ 

Williams’ family said in a statement: ‘It is with great sadness that we report that our beloved Treat Williams has passed away tonight in Dorset, Vermont after a fatal motorcycle accident. 

‘As you can imagine, we are shocked and greatly bereaved at this time. 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. 

‘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. 

‘We are beyond devastated and ask that you respect our privacy as we deal with our grief. To all his fans, please know that Treat appreciated all of you and please continue to keep him in your hearts and prayers.’ 

Police in Vermont confirmed on Monday: ‘The Vermont State Police is investigating a crash between an SUV and a motorcycle Monday afternoon, June 12, 2023, in Dorset in which the operator of the motorcycle suffered fatal injuries.

‘The motorcyclist is identified as Richard Treat Williams, 71, of Manchester Center, Vermont.

‘The crash occurred at about 4:53 p.m. Monday on Vermont Route 30 just north of Morse Hill Road when a southbound 2008 Honda Element driven by Ryan M. Koss, 35, of Pownal, Vermont, attempted to turn left into a parking lot. 

‘Initial investigation indicates the Element stopped, signaled a left turn, and then turned into the path of a northbound 1986 Honda VT700c motorcycle operated by Williams. 

‘Williams was unable to avoid a collision and was thrown from his motorcycle. He suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York, where he was pronounced dead. 

‘Koss was checked by medical personnel at the scene for minor injuries and was not transported to a hospital.

‘The investigation into this crash is in its early stages. A member of the Vermont State Police Crash Reconstruction Team was on scene Monday evening, and team members will return to the location of the collision Tuesday, June 13, to continue processing the scene.’

Treat Williams was born in Rowayton, Connecticut, in 1951 and kickstarted his professional acting career in his 20s, after graduating from Franklin and Marshall College. 

Williams shot to fame after his debut role in the thriller Deadly Hero in 1975. He also performed in 1976’s The Ritz and The Eagle Has Landed.

In 1979, he starred as George Berger in the film Hair, which was based on the Broadway musical. 

It was the role which earned him his first Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year – and two years later, he got his second nomination for his acting in Prince of The City. 

He also played Dr. Andrew Brown in Everwood – and he received two SAG Award nominations for his work on the show.

In a social media post from just seven hours ago, Williams shared a snap of his land with the caption: ‘Mowing today. Wish I could bottle the scent.’

And two hours before the news of his death came to light, he recorded himself mowing the ground, writing: ‘What a real Vermonter does.’ 

Williams enjoyed a successful decades-long career, performing in TV shows like Steven Spielberg’s 1941, and Prince of the City.

He was also in Blue Bloods and Chesapeake Shores. Williams had over 120 credits across television, movies, and theater.