Thunder assistant Monty Williams' wife killed in car wreck

Oklahoma City Thunder assistant coach Monty Williams' wife Ingrid Williams was killed in an auto accident Wednesday. She was 44-years-old.

According to a report in the Oklahoman, Williams was killed when another car hit her SUV head on as she was driving on S. Western Ave. in Oklahoma City.

“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.”

The Pelicans held a moment of silence for her before tip-off of their game against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. Monty Williams was hired by New Orleans to his first and only head coaching job in 2010 and fired after last season. He helped guide New Orleans to the postseason twice and had a record of 173-221.

Denver coach Michael Malone became choked up while talking about Williams' death after his team's win over the Detroit Pistons.

All things Thunder: Latest Oklahoma City Thunder news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

"I apologized to the team. The first half, I coached very angry," he said. "I don't know if you guys heard, Monty Williams, a good friend of mine, his wife was killed in an accident."

After a long pause, he said, "So I apologized to them because it's taking my anger out on them, and they don't deserve that."

Pelicans star Anthony Davis spent three seasons with Williams as his coach.

He said in a tweet: "Completely devastated. Ingrid Williams was like a 2nd mother to me when I got to NOLA. My thoughts & prayers are with Monty & the family."

This is Monty Williams' first season in Oklahoma City after spending the past five as the head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans. He played in the NBA from 1994-2003 for six teams.

The Williams have five children.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.