Nothing will ever replace what Monty Williams and his family so suddenly lost. During this unimaginably difficult time, though, the basketball lifer will have a league full of shoulders to lean on.
Williams’ wife, Ingrid, passed away tragically on Wednesday evening due to injuries sustained in a car accident. The 44-year-old is survived by her husband and and five children.
In a statement, New Orleans Pelicans owners said Mrs. Williams will be remembered “as one of the most generous, kind and humble individuals we’ve ever known.” And after the outpouring of support toward the Williams family in wake of this heartbreaking news, it’s safe to say the NBA family feels the same way.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, for whom Williams serves as an assistant coach, announced the news last night.
Words cannot adequately describe how deep our sorrow is for the loss of Monty’s wife. Our thoughts and prayers are with him & his family.
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) February 11, 2016
We will support him in every way possible. We know the entire community of Oklahoma City has the Williams family in their prayers.
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) February 11, 2016
Williams’ coaching career has taken him to various stops throughout the league. He began his career as an assistant with the San Antonio Spurs, and most recently served as a head coach with the Pelicans last season. Alvin Gentry and Gregg Popovich, obviously, are among a plethora of those in the coaching community with extremely heavy hearts.
Heartbreaking reaction by Alvin Gentry about Ingrid Williams. pic.twitter.com/0Hdwms8XLk
— Scott Kushner (@ScottDKushner) February 11, 2016
Looking emotionally drained and holding a tissue in his hand, Pop declined to talk about the tragic death of Monty Williams' wife. #Spurs
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) February 11, 2016
The nine-year playing veteran has a well-earned reputation for forging meaningful, lasting relationships with his players. Most famously, Williams, Ingrid, and their children welcomed a reeling Ryan Anderson to their home following his girlfriend’s suicide.
On Wednesday night, players young and old across the league – with a direct connection to Williams or otherwise – shared messages of sadness and shock at Ingrid’s passing.
Completely devastated. Ingrid Williams was like a 2nd mother to me when I got to NOLA. My thoughts & prayers are with Monty & the family
— Anthony Davis (@AntDavis23) February 11, 2016
"She was one of the sweetest ladies I've ever met." – @Jrue_Holiday11 on Ingrid Williams – https://t.co/yYDP4JJRxK pic.twitter.com/I3S29koV67
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) February 11, 2016
I'm so sad hear about Ingrid Williams she was such a sweetheart you will be miss #Angel
— Alexis Ajinça (@AjincaAlexis42) February 11, 2016
Saddened to hear about the passing of Ingrid Williams. Condolences to Coach Monty Williams and his entire family.
— Eric Gordon (@TheofficialEG10) February 11, 2016
Cookie & I send our prayers to OKC Ast. Coach Monty Williams and his family as he lost his wife Ingrid. The NBA family is truly devastated.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 11, 2016
Prayers going up for coach Monty Williams & his family… #NBAfamily
— Earl J Watson (@Earl_Watson) February 11, 2016
Praying for my former teammate Monty Williams and his 5 kids!! Ingrid was an outstanding mom and wife! RIP https://t.co/o3CViNLMRy
— Avery Johnson (@CoachAvery6) February 11, 2016
Please keep Coach Monty Williams and his family in your prayers. Unimaginable tragedy he’s going through right now! Trust in Him always! 🙏🏽
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) February 11, 2016
Prayers up for Monty Williams and his family 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Harrison Barnes (@hbarnes) February 11, 2016
Prayers goes to my mentor Monty Williams and his family. RIP Ingrid Williams, one of the greatest person I've ever met 🙏🏽
— Nicolas Batum (@nicolas88batum) February 11, 2016
https://twitter.com/Isaiah_Thomas/status/697659895546560513
In a world of hurt right now coach Monty williams and his wife were the standard of what I wanted my family to be like. RIP INGRID WILLIAMS!
— JARRETT JACK (@Jarrettjack03) February 11, 2016
My heart hurt like never. Coach Monty Williams I know God got you back. I still can't believe it. Prayers goes out to Monty and his family.
— Greivis Vasquez (@greivisvasquez) February 11, 2016
Condolences to my mentor and coach Monty Williams and his entire family
— Marco Belinelli (@marcobelinelli) February 11, 2016
Prayers out to Coach Monty Williams and his family. 🙏🏽
— Emmanuel Mudiay (@emmanuelmudiay) February 11, 2016
Our thoughts are with Williams, his family, and all those affected by the loss of Ingrid – a universally beloved wife, mother, mentor, and friend.
