Beloved TV Star Tragically Passes at 71 After Motorcycle Crash

Treat Williams MediaPunch/Shutterstock

The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of Treat Williams, a beloved actor best known for his role in Everwood. Williams passed away at the age of 71 following a tragic motorcycle accident. According to his representative, a car cut him off while he was making a turn, resulting in the fatal incident. Those who knew Williams personally are heartbroken by the news and remember him as an incredibly kind and talented individual.

According to Jacob Gribble, the fire chief for Dorset, Vermont, the crash occurred on Monday around 5 p.m. ET on Route 30, involving a single car and Robin Williams' motorcycle. Although the local authorities have not yet confirmed the identity of the injured motorcyclist, Gribble stated that he was allegedly the only person hurt and was airlifted to a hospital via a LifeNet helicopter from Ticonderoga, New York.

Williams began his career in theatre before transitioning to film in the 1970s, starring in popular movies such as Deadly Hero, The Ritz, and The Eagle Has Landed. However, it was his role as George Berger in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical Hair that proved to be his big break in 1979, earning him a Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year — Actor. He received his second nomination in 1981 for his portrayal of Daniel Ciello in Prince of the City. Williams also made a name for himself on television, notably as Dr. Andy Brown on The WB’s Everwood from 2002 to 2006, earning a SAG Award nomination for his outstanding performance in a drama series. He went on to appear in other popular shows such as Blue Bloods and The Late Shift before landing the role of Mick O’Brien in Hallmark Channel’s Chesapeake Shores, which he remained a part of until its sixth and final season in 2021.

Williams not only achieved great success in the entertainment industry, but also found immense joy in his personal life. He tied the knot with Pam Van Sant, whom he had met while she was waitressing in a New York restaurant, in 1988. The couple was blessed with two children, Gille and Ellie, in 1992 and 1998, respectively. In an interview with Parade in August 2018, Williams revealed that his family had a profound impact on his career choices and helped him prioritize the roles he took on.

"If I'm going to leave my beloved home in Vermont, it has to be for something that truly excites me, like traveling with a great group of people," he shared. He went on to reflect on the best advice he was ever given, which was to follow his passions in life. "Do what you love, and the rest will fall into place," he emphasized. "I've always lived by that philosophy, and I think it's a wonderful way to approach anything you're passionate about. Fully commit yourself to it, and everything else will follow naturally. Maybe it's not the wisest advice, but it's certainly worked for me."

Williams is survived by his wife and children.