Chainkeen Exchange-Driver accused in Treat Williams' death considered actor 'a friend,' denies wrongdoing

DORSET,Chainkeen Exchange Vt. − A driver accused of causing a crash that killed Treat Williams knew the actor and considered him a friend but denied wrongdoing and said charges aren't warranted.

Ryan Koss, managing creative director of the Dorset Theatre Festival in Vermont, said he knew Williams for years as a member of the tight-knit community, as well as a fellow theater member. He said he was devastated by Williams' death and offered his "sincerest condolences" to the actor's family. "I considered him a friend," Koss said.

Koss, 35, issued a statement Friday evening, three days after being issued a citation for grossly negligent operation causing death. He was ordered to appear in court in September to be formally charged.

A Vermont State Police investigation concluded Koss' SUV pulled in front of Williams' motorcycle on June 12 in Dorset, but Koss said he's "confident the facts will show I obeyed all relevant traffic laws, and the state's charges are unwarranted."

Williams, 71, of Manchester Center, was airlifted to Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York, where he was pronounced dead on June 12. "The Medical Examiner’s Office in New York determined that Mr. Williams died of severe trauma and blood loss as a result of the crash," police said in a news release.

After his death, Williams' family said in a statement obtained by USA TODAY that they were "shocked and greatly bereaved."

"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," the family wrote.

"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."

Treat Williams dies at 71:Actor from 'Everwood' and 'Hair' killed in motorcycle accident, family says

Williams appeared in numerous films, including "The Eagle Has Landed," "Prince of the City," "Once Upon a Time in America," "The Late Shift," "127 Hours" and "Run Hide Fight."

On "Everwood," Williams played Dr. Andrew "Andy" Brown from 2002 to 2006, earning two Screen Actors Guild nominations. His other television credits include "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "Chicago Fire," "Hawaii Five-0," "Blue Bloods," "White Collar" and "The Simpsons."

Williams also starred as Danny Zuko in the Broadway musical "Grease" from 1972 to 1980.

Contributing: Naledi Ushe and Charles Trepany, USA TODAY