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Wife of Thunder coach Monty Williams dead at 44 after car crash

Oklahoma City Thunder assistant coach Monty Williams. (AP/David Zalubowski)
Oklahoma City Thunder assistant coach Monty Williams. (AP/David Zalubowski)

Awful news out of Oklahoma City: Ingrid Williams, the wife of Oklahoma City Thunder associate head coach Monty Williams, died Wednesday from injuries suffered in an automobile accident on Tuesday night. She was 44.

The Oklahoman reported Wednesday that Ingrid Williams was being "treated for life-threatening injuries" after her sport utility vehicle was involved in a collision on South Western Avenue in Oklahoma City:

Susannah Donaldson, 55, was driving south on S Western Avenue about 8 p.m. when her car went left of center and hit a northbound sport utility vehicle head-on. [...]

Mai Nguyen, 59, was driving a third vehicle that hit the car driven by Donaldson. Nguyen was not injured. Everyone involved wore a seat belt. Donaldson and her dog [which was riding in her lap] were dead at the scene.

Oklahoma City CBS affiliate KWTV-DT reported Wednesday evening that Williams had died, leaving behind her husband and their five children. The Thunder confirmed the report in a team statement.

“The Thunder organization has heavy hearts tonight with the news of Ingrid's passing," the team wrote. "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 is in his first season as the Thunder's associate head coach. He joined Billy Donovan's staff this summer after spending the last five seasons as the head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, compiling a record of 173-221 and making two playoff appearances. Before taking over in New Orleans, Williams spent five years as an assistant coach with the Portland Trail Blazers following a nine-year NBA playing career.

"The New Orleans Pelicans are devastated to hear the news of Ingrid Williams' passing," Pelicans owners Tom and Gayle Benson said in a statement released Wednesday night. "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."

News of Ingrid's death spurred an outpouring of support for Williams and his children from players and coaches around the league.

It's almost impossible to imagine what Williams must be going through right now. Our thoughts are with him and his family as they attempt to find some semblance of peace in the wake of this tragedy.

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Dan Devine is an editor for Ball Don't Lie on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at devine@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter!

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