Treat Williams, 71, dead after motorcycle accident

By Alexandra Heilbron on June 13, 2023 | 5 Comments


Treat Williams in Chesapeake Shores. Photo by Ricardo HubbsTreat Williams, best known for his roles in the movie Hair and the TV series Everwood, was killed yesterday (Monday, June 12, 2023) in Vermont after his motorcycle was struck by a car.

His rep, Barry McPherson, confirmed the devastating news to People. “He was killed this afternoon. He was making a left or a right [and] a car cut him off,” he said. “I’m just devastated. He was the nicest guy. He was so talented.”

The Vermont State Police released the following statement: “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.”

Treat made his movie debut in 1976 in Deadly Hero, but it was his starring role as Berger in the movie musical Hair (1979) that earned him a Golden Globe nomination and a name in Hollywood. He received two more nominations for his roles in the film Prince of the City (1981) and the TV movie A Streetcar Named Desire (1984). In 1996 Treat received an Emmy nomination for his role as Michael Ovitz in The Late Shift. For his starring role in the series Everwood, he received two Screen Actors Guild nominations. In the latter series, which ran from 2002 to 2006, he played the father of Chris Pratt and Emily VanCamp.

Treat is survived by his wife of 35 years, Pam Van Sant, and their two children, Gill and Elinor. ~Alexandra Heilbron



Comments & Discussion

  1. Sharon • June 13, 2023 @ 1:07 PM

    So sad. Went to bed after hearing the news so sad, and woke up this morning even sadder.

    I loved him in everything I saw him in. And he had quite the acting resume.

    And from all reports, he was a genuinely nice guy. Very sad.

  2. Gwen Collins • June 13, 2023 @ 4:18 PM

    He also played Kelly Severide’s father in Chicago Fire. Was great in that role. Always liked him. Such a shame. RIP

  3. jon dowe • June 13, 2023 @ 5:13 PM

    I agree, Some people do not know this ,but Treat Willams played prince Eric in the faiy tale theater version of The Little Mermaid produced by SHELLY Duvall.

  4. Margaret • June 17, 2023 @ 2:25 PM

    I really love treat. Soooo sad to hear this.R.I.P. Treat your with are loving lord. My heart goes out to his family. Stay strong i pray to God for yous. AMEN.

  5. Steven Kuropatwa • June 18, 2023 @ 1:08 PM

    Loved him in everything he did. I use to watch his TV series “Everwood”. Hollywood has lost a giant in the entertainment industry.


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