Wife of OKC assistant Monty Williams dies at 44
Ingrid Williams, the wife of Oklahoma City Thunder assistant coach Monty Williams, died on Wednesday. She was 44.
Ingrid Williams was involved in a car accident Tuesday night when she was hit head-on by another car that crossed over the center lane. The other driver has also died.
“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.”
Before joining the Thunder’s coaching staff, Monty Williams served as New Orleans’ head coach from 2010-2015. He and Ingrid Williams have five children with ages ranging from 17 to 5 years old.
“The New Orleans Pelicans are devastated to hear the news of Ingrid Williams’ passing,” the Pelicans said in a statement. “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.”
Thunder guard Anthony Morrow took to Twitter to send his condolences.
=”=”=” Smh dd =O<þ=O<þ prayers up for my coach and my mentor Monty Williams’ family. #Hurting
Anthony Morrow (@MrAnthonyMorrow) February 11, 2016
Eric Gordon of the Pelicans also wished his best to the Williams family.
Saddened to hear about the passing of Ingrid Williams. Condolences to Coach Monty Williams and his entire family.
Eric Gordon (@TheofficialEG10) February 11, 2016
The Thunder play at New Orleans on Thursday.
Monty Williams also served as a coaching intern with the San Antonio Spurs and the news of Ingrid Williams’ death almost led to Spurs coach Gregg Popovich not coaching his team’s game on Wednesday.
An emotional Popovich walked out of the locker room several minutes after San Antonio’s 98-96 win over the Orlando Magic with a tissue in one hand, tears in his eyes and remnants of tears wiped away as he addressed the media.
“I’d rather talk about basketball,” Popovich said. “The personal stuff’s none of your business.”
Popovich changed clothes and re-entered the locker room later, and walked over to Tim Duncan, who had been coached by Williams, and the two shared a private moment. Despite the Spurs having captured their sixth consecutive victory and 20th of their last 22 outings, on Kawhi Leonard‘s last-second jumper, their locker room was a somber place.
“Coach [Williams] was a Spur,” guard Danny Green said. “He’s still a part of our family, and my prayers go out to him and his family.”
Information from ESPN.com Spurs reporter Michael C. Wright contributed to this report.
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