Tragedy struck the Oklahoma City Thunder and rippled throughout the NBA Wednesday, as news spread of the death of the wife of Monty Williams, an assistant coach with the team. Ingrid Williams, 44, was involved in a car crash Tuesday, and she leaves behind five children.
“The Thunder organization has heavy hearts tonight with the news of Ingrid’s passing,” the team said in a statement. “Words cannot adequately describe how deep our sorrow is for the loss of Monty’s wife. Our thoughts and prayers are with Monty and his family, and we will support him in every way possible. We know the entire community of Oklahoma City has them in their prayers.”
Monty Williams was in his first year with the Thunder after serving as the head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans from 2010 to 2015. That team also released a statement:
“The New Orleans Pelicans are devastated to hear the news of Ingrid Williams’ passing,” the Pelicans said. “Ingrid was beloved by the Pelicans organization and the New Orleans community and will forever be remembered as one of the most generous, kind and humble individuals we’ve ever known. Our thoughts and prayers are with Monty Williams and his family during this difficult time.”
According to Jeff Duncan of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, the Pelicans held a moment of silence for Ingrid Williams before their game Wednesday against the Utah Jazz. After the Spurs-Magic game, an emotional Gregg Popovich, who had helped Williams begin his coaching career, declined to speak about the death of Ingrid Williams.
Monty Williams joined the Thunder coaching staff before this season after serving as Pelicans head coach from 2010 to 2015 before he was fired. Williams also played in the NBA for six teams from 1994 to 2003.
