Monty Williams's Wife Dies In Car Accident

Ingrid Williams, the wife of Thunder assistant and former Pelicans head coach Monty Williams, died last night of injuries suffered in a car crash the day before. She was 44. Monty and Ingrid Williams have five kids, between the ages of 5 and 17.

Ingrid Williams’s SUV was hit head-on on Tuesday around 8 p.m. by an oncoming car that had veered across the center lane. The driver of that car was pronounced dead at the scene. Williams was taken to OU Medical Center and died yesterday evening.

Williams is in his first year with the Thunder, after five seasons with New Orleans. OKC released a statement last night:

“The Thunder organization has heavy hearts tonight with the news of Ingrid’s passing. 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.”

The Pelicans released this statement:

“The New Orleans Pelicans are devastated to hear the news of Ingrid Williams’ passing. 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.”

NBA social media was replete with messages of condolence for Williams and his family, including from Anthony Davis, who said he was “completely devastated” and that Ingrid Williams was “like a second mother” to him.

I can’t help but think back to one of the most moving stories I’ve read in the past few years, a 2014 on how Monty and Ingrid Williams helped Ryan Anderson get through the tragedy of his girlfriend’s suicide. Monty Williams is beloved around the league; if he wants them, there will be lots of people there for him now.