What happened to Monty Williams’ late wife, Ingrid?
FORMER Detroit Pistons basketball coach Monty Williams was married to Ingrid Williams for over two decades.
The coach’s life suddenly changed when his 44-year-old wife suffered a tragic accident.
What happened to Monty Williams' late wife, Ingrid?
Ingrid Williams passed away in 2016 after a car accident in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
At the time of the accident, she was driving with her children Faith, Janna, and Micah when a sedan approached her car from the opposite direction and crashed into her head-on.
The driver was identified as 52-year-old Susan Donaldson.
According to police, Donaldson was in the left lane, traveling more than twice the speed limit of 40 mph.
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She swerved to avoid the car in front of her, sending her vehicle across the centerline.
Police also believe she had her dog on her lap and had taken a substantial amount of methamphetamine, according to the toxicology report.
Donaldson and her dog died at the scene, while Ingrid and the children were transported to the hospital.
Faith, Jana, and Micah survived without life-threatening injuries.
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What did Monty Williams say about Ingrid’s death?
Following Ingrid’s death, Williams wrote a eulogy about her life and how he was processing the sudden grief.
The NBA basketball coach said: “During times like this, it’s easy to forget that because what we’ve gone through is pretty tough and it’s hard and we want an answer.
“We don’t always get that answer when we want it, but we can’t lose sight of the fact that God loves us and that’s what my wife and that’s what I, however badly, exhibit on a daily basis. But God does love us.
“I don’t care what you’re going through. This is hard for my family, but this will work out. And my wife would punch me if I were to sit up here and whine about what’s going on.
“That doesn’t take away the pain. But it will work out because God causes all things to work out. You just can’t quit. You can’t give in.”
Williams also added that those praying for his family should also consider Donaldson’s as well, as she was a victim of the accident.
“Everybody’s praying for me and my family, which is right,” said Williams.
“But let us not forget that there were two people in this situation. And that family needs prayer as well.”
Is Monty Williams married, and how many children does he have?
Williams and his late wife, Ingrid, share five children.
They welcomed three daughters, Faith, Lael, and Janna, and two sons, Elijah and Micah.
A number of their children have followed in their father's athletic footsteps.
Elijah, standing tall at 6 foot 6, has played for the USA Basketball team on three occasions.
His most recent stint was at the 2024 Men's Junior National Team minicamp.
As of 2024, Elijah is number 8 of ESPN's top 60 recruits.
Following Ingrid's unfortunate death, Williams remarried a woman named Lisa Keeth.
Before his short stint with the Detroit Pistons, Williams almost declined the position after Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer.
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Speaking on his discussion with Pistons general manager Troy Weaver, Williams told the NBA: "As we navigated all of that, I was talking to Troy and telling him man, I couldn’t, you know, right now because I gotta take care of my family."
However, Lisa's cancer was found early, resulting in Williams taking on the position.