The man charged in Treat Williams' accident that led to the musical actor's death revealed that he considered him "a friend."
Williams died in a fatal crash in June, aged 71, after a car cut him off while driving his motorcycle on Route 30 by Long Trail Auto near Dorset, Vermont.
Following his death, the man charged in relation to the tragic accident released a statement Friday to send his condolences to the bereaved family of his "friend."
What Ryan Koss Said About Treat Williams
Ryan Koss noted in the statement, as quoted by People, that he was devastated by Williams' death. He spoke out days after he received his charge of "grossly negligent operation with death."
"I considered him a friend," Koss said, per The Seattle Times, adding, "[I am] confident the facts will show I obeyed all relevant traffic laws, and the state's charges are unwarranted."
The 35-year-old, the managing creative director of the Dorset Theatre Festival in Vermont, said he knew Williams for years before the fatal crash.
READ ALSO: Treat Williams Accident: Musical Actor 'Still Conscious' When Rescued After Fatal Motorcycle Crash
The Vermont State Police concluded its investigation into the accident and ruled that Koss' vehicle pulled in front of the motorcycle Williams was driving at that time.
The late musical actor was airlifted via LifeNet helicopter to Albany Medical Center in New York, where he was soon proclaimed dead.
Jacob Gribble, the fire chief of Dorset, Vermont, said the crash happened as the car's driver did not see Williams' motorcycle when he turned.
Treat Williams' Cause of Death Revealed
Nearly two months after the crash, the Vermont State Police shared a news release confirming Treat Williams' cause of death, saying that the Medical Examiner's Office in New York determined that his cause of death as "severe trauma and blood loss."
Williams had a fruitful career in Hollywood and musicals before his death, starring in Broadway productions like"Grease" and "Over Here!"
"He made an indelible impression on me during my most formative years," Gregory Smith said after Williams' death. "I will always cherish my time with Treat and think fondly of his stories, his laugh and his passion for adventure."
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