OKLAHOMA CITY – As the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare to take on the New Orleans Pelicans, the players will be honoring the loss of a loved one.
On Tuesday evening, police say 44-year-old Ingrid Williams was involved in a car accident near S.W. 17th St. and Western Ave.
Tragically, she died from her injuries.
Williams is the wife of Thunder assistant coach Monty Williams.
“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 Oklahoma City Thunder said in a statement.
In preparation for Thursday night’s game, members of the Oklahoma City Thunder met with the media.
Thunder star Kevin Durant broke down in tears discussing the loss of Ingrid and how much the team is hurting for Monty and his family.
“I thought about what I was going to say, but I just love Coach Monty so much, man. I feel for him, man. And it’s somebody we all love, I just don’t understand. I’m sorry, excuse me,” Durant said.
“It’s just been a real, as you can imagine, just a real, just kinda flat atmosphere. But at the same time, we understand what’s going on. We just got to keep their family in our prayers every single day, every minute, and that’s what we’re gonna be doing,” Anthony Morrow said. “In my opinion, God called one of his true angels back home. I mean, she helped my family, my girl through some situations that we had really tough times with in New Orleans, here in Oklahoma City. Just encouragement, just the right words to say, maybe it wasn’t even a long conversation, but she was like the person that you could always go to with anything and Coach Williams as well. Those two are the standard when it comes to marriage, when it comes to believers, just inspirational. I feel like I lost a family member for sure. I’m sure everybody else feels the same way.”
Ingrid leaves behind five children and her husband, Monty.
For those outside OKC, send flowers/cards to Thunder offices. 208 Thunder Dr. OKC, OK 73102. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers & support
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) February 11, 2016
Monty Williams is in his first season as a Thunder assistant after spending five years as head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans.
