Treat Williams’ Wife Details ‘Suddenness’ of His Death: ‘I’m Still Grappling’

Treat Williams' wife, Pam Van Sant, and their children are remembering the late actor seven months after his death.

The late Everwood star's sudden passing on June 12, 2023, may have come as a shock to fans, but his partner of 35 years also admitted to being blindsided by the tragedy, as she and the couple's two adult kids, son Gill and daughter Ellie, continue to process the major loss.

"I think because of the suddenness of it, there was absolutely no preparation, so I'm still grappling with the fact that it happened and that he's really gone," Pam told People in an article published on Wednesday, Jan. 3. "It just feels like such a hole in our family and the fabric of the world. The whole atmosphere feels different."

Related: Driver Involved in Treat Williams' Death Enters Plea, Faces 15 Years in Prison

The longtime couple met in 1987 in New York City, tying the knot a year later. They welcomed their son in 1992, followed by their daughter six years later in 1998.

Both Gill and Ellie credit their father for inspiring them to follow their passions of becoming professional artists. Ellie, 25, is following in her famous dad's footsteps by pursuing an acting career, while Gill, 31, is working on his first musical album.

"He helped me become confident with my talents. I was kind of a shy singer for a long time, and he'd come over and be like, 'I can't hear you,'" Gill remembered of his dad's encouragement.

Ellie, on the other hand, recalls her journey starting when she was just a tot. "When I was four, I started going to set with my dad on Everwood, and I fell in love with the craft," she said, adding, "You create a wonderful close-knit group of people, a family and wonderful friendships. It's a beautiful thing."

Related: Police Confirm Treat Williams' Cause of Death

Off-set though, in his everyday life, Treat was "such a goofball, and he was such a kid at heart," his son divulged. The Hair actor was also a pilot, enjoying flying helicopters, single and twin-engine planes—sometimes even bringing along his family and friends—for fun.

"He felt like he didn't have a lot of control all the time in the rest of his life, but he felt like he was in total control up there," Ellie explained of the hobby, which her dad began during his teenage years while in high school. "That was the one place where he could just feel free."

Williams succumbed to injuries last year after being involved in a motorcycle crash in Vermont. He was 71 years old.

"He was killed this afternoon. He was making a left or a right [and] a car cut him off," his agent Barry McPherson confirmed in a statement at the time.

"He was the nicest guy. He was so talented," he added, continuing, "He was an actor's actor. Filmmakers loved him. He's been the heart of the Hollywood since the late 1970s. He was really proud of his performance this year. He's been so happy with the work that I got him. He's had a balanced career."

Losing a loved one is never easy, and as difficult as it may be, the Williams family continues to find ways to honor the Chesapeake Shores alum's life by watching his on-screen work, and taking flying lessons of their own, in celebration of his love of soaring above the clouds.

Next: Treat Williams' Family Honors Him in New Photo From Celebration of Life