What happened to Treat Williams from Blue Bloods? Explained

Treat Williams as Lenny Ross (Image via CBS)
Treat Williams as Lenny Ross (Image via CBS)

The cast of Blue Bloods bid farewell to two of its special men, Treat Williams and his character of Lenny Ross. Treat succumbed to injuries in a tragic motorcycle accident on 12th June 2023. The creators paid tribute to Lenny Ross in the third episode of the series in season 14 with a touching storyline that involved his daughter Tess Ross (Somone Policano) and his best friend Frank Reagan (Tom Selleck).

The creators of Blue Bloods delivered a storyline to the viewers in season 13 about Lenny’s battle with cancer. Ross died offscreen which affected Frank, who found himself in a tough spot when he had to choose between letting Tess face prosecution for getting in a bar fight or saving her because of Ross.

Treat Williams (December 1, 1951- June 12, 2023) was an American actor. He first appeared on the screen of Blue Bloods in Season 6 Episode 11 titled “Back in the Day." He played his character for six episodes of the show as a detective in the NYPD. His death was acknowledged in season 14, episode 3 titled, “Fear No Evil”.


How did Lenny Ross die in Blue Bloods?

Blue Bloods tells the story of Lenny Ross's death (Image via CBS)
Blue Bloods tells the story of Lenny Ross's death (Image via CBS)

Lenny Ross last appeared on the screen of Blue Bloods in season 13, episode 20 titled “Irish Exits”. Frank, who was Ross's trusted friend, learned that Ross has been fighting his battle against mesothelioma. By the end of Season 13, ross had retired after serving as a devoted detective at the NYPD.

Viewers saw an emotional scene when Lenny told Frank about his last wish to ride in an NYPD patrol car with sirens blaring. Ross’ death in the show took place offscreen after he failed to battle cancer. All the members dear to him came to pay him a final tribute and bid their final goodbyes.


How did Blue Bloods pay tribute to Treat Williams?

Tribute to Treat Williams (Image via CBS)
Tribute to Treat Williams (Image via CBS)

Though William's death was sudden, fans of the show saw an episode dedicated to a tribute to him.

It started with Frank Reagan taking the responsibility of caring for Ross’s daughter Tess. However, he found himself in a dilemma when Tess got arrested after a bar fight and wondered whether to send her to prosecution or not. Finally, after speaking to his father he took the tough-love approach.

Frank's tribute to Lenny Ross (Image via CBS)
Frank's tribute to Lenny Ross (Image via CBS)

Frank sent Tess for prosecution but suggested a strong defense attorney to fight her case. Meanwhile, he promised her to give her father a proper memorable service. Tess was soon released from prison and arrived at a family meal at the Reagans, where they all remembered Ross. Frank said,

“Lenny Ross was my oldest friend, my closest confidant, my getaway driver... And I lost him this week. And it hurts like hell. But Lenny would hate it if we got all teary and quiet and sad, so Lenny: We’ll miss ya. And save me a seat at your table, and I’ll see ya on down the road.”

Season 14 made every fan of Blue Bloods teary as the episode concluded on an emotional note, with a real-life photo of Williams and Selleck together. The two were close friends both in the show and in real life.


The creators of Blue Bloods announced that season 14 will be the last. The final season will air on CBS in two parts every Friday Night.

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Edited by Vishal Kataria