Alexandra Paul, a former world-class skater and Olympic medalist, was killed together with her young son in a multiple-vehicle collision in Canada on Tuesday.
She was 31 years old.
Seven automobiles, including Paul’s, were hit by the out-of-control truck in Melancthon Township, about 70 miles north of Toronto.
Shortly after 3 p.m., a truck allegedly did not slow down in time and slammed into a line of cars, according to The Canadian Press.
The crash miraculously spared the life of Paul’s 10-month-old kid, who had been placed in the rear seat. He was taken to a neighboring children’s hospital with serious but treatable injuries.
According to Canadian Press 24, Paul was confirmed deceased upon arrival.
A 67-year-old man was among three people injured in the major incident; he was evacuated to a trauma facility in the Toronto region.
According to the Canadian Press, the truck driver has not been identified and no charges have been brought against him.
At the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, Paul and her partner and husband Mitchell Islam represented Canada in the mixed ice dance event, where they finished in 18th place.
After beginning their skating partnership in 2009, Paul and Islam won the 2010 Canadian junior ice dance title and the silver medal at the 2010 ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championship.
They won three consecutive bronze medals at the Canadian national championships throughout their senior careers (in 2014 and 2015).
They earned the bronze medal at the US Classic International in 2016, and afterwards they retired from figure skating.
They got married in 2021 after a successful professional relationship, and their son Charlie was born the following year.
“As a Canadian success story is tragically cut short, Alex will be remembered as a passionate, determined young lady who could illuminate any room she entered,” a GoFundMe page set up by friends said.
“She was not only kind, educated, witty, and resolute, but Alex was also a staple in the international Figure Skating community representing Canada at the Olympics. But above all, Alex will be remembered as a loving daughter, sister, wife, and mother to Charlie.”
When she retired from figure skating in 2017, the native Torontonian went to Oakland University in Rochester Hills, Michigan, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
She started working as an attorney for Barriston Law after graduating from the University of Windsor Law School in 2021, the firm revealed.
Everyone at Barriston Law is heartbroken over the loss of Alex, who was both a friend and a coworker. Barriston Law managing partner Joanne McPhail spoke with BarrieToday.
Skate Canada stated in a statement that Paul would be remembered as a tireless role model for young aspiring skaters in the community for her dedication and sportsmanlike attitude.
“Her commitment to excellence was matched only by her warmth and kindness, which endeared her to fellow athletes, coaches, and fans alike.”
