Vermont resident Matt Rapphahn was an eyewitness to themotorcycle accidenton Monday that ultimately took the life of beloved actorTreat Williams.
“I ran over to [Treat], and then I ran back to the shop and called 911,” recalls Rapphahn, adding that the driver got out of his vehicle to “console” Williams, 71.
“It was hard to tell [it was Treat] with the helmet on,” he says, “but [the driver] knows him — knew him — and he was saying, ‘Oh, my God, it’s Treat.’”
CBS

When emergency services arrived, Williams was “conscious and verbal.”
“Emergency services were asking him questions,” says Rapphahn, adding when paramedics moved theBlue Bloodsactor onto a backboard, “he was in a great deal of pain.”
“But they had to get him onto the backboard to get him onto the stretcher and then onto the ambulance,” he explains.
Walter McBride/Getty Images

Once the ambulance departed the area, Williams, who sustained “critical injuries,” was airlifted to a hospital in Albany, New York, where he was pronounceddead.
Barry McPherson, Williams’ agent of 15 years, confirmed the actor’s death to PEOPLE that night, saying, “He was killed this afternoon. I’m just devastated. He was the nicest guy. He was so talented.”

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Like many locals who knew him, Rapphahn is heartbroken over Williams’ death. The Vermonter recalled an unpretentious, all-around good man who just so happened to be a famous actor.
“He was just always funny and good-natured and asked how you’re doing with genuine interest in the people he was talking to,” said Rapphahn.
source: people.com