Canadian skater killed in crash
World-renowned figure skater and Olympian Alexandra Paul was killed in a multi-car crash in Canada last week while her toddler son was in the vehicle.
She was 31 years old.
Paul was in one of seven vehicles struck by an out-of-control truck that plowed through a construction zone Tuesday in Melancthon Township, 70 miles north of Toronto.
The truck allegedly failed to slow down in time before it slammed into the lineup of cars shortly after 3 p.m., according to The Canadian Press.
Small miracle
Paul’s 10-month-old son (inset, with parents), who was in the back seat, miraculously survived the crash and was transported to a nearby children’s hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Paul was pronounced dead at the scene, said Canadian Press 24.
Three others were also injured in the massive crash, including a 67-year-old man who was airlifted to a Toronto-area trauma center with serious injuries.
No charges have been filed against the truck driver, whom authorities have not named, according to the Canadian Press.
Paul represented Canada alongside her partner Mitchell Islam at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, where they placed 18th in the mixed ice dance event.
Paul and Islam, who started skating together in 2009, won Canada’s junior ice dance title in the same year and a silver medal at the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championship in 2010.
During their senior career, they also clinched the bronze medal at the Canadian national championships in 2011, 2014, and 2015.
In 2016, the pair retired from figure skating after they won the bronze medal at US Classic International.
Following their illustrious career, the couple married in 2021 and welcomed their son Charlie into the world in 2022.
“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.”
The Toronto native earned her bachelor’s degree from Oakland University in Rochester Hills, Mich., in 2017 after hanging up her skates.
She earned her juris doctor degree at the University of Windsor Law School in 2021 as she embarked on her career as an attorney for Barriston Law, the law firm said.
“The loss of Alex as a friend and colleague has been devastating to everyone at Barriston Law.” managing partner Joanne McPhail told BarrieToday.
Paul is remembered as a hardworking role model for young aspiring skaters in the community due to her perseverance and sportsmanlike conduct, Skate Canada said in a statement.
“Her commitment to excellence was matched only by her warmth and kindness, which endeared her to fellow athletes, coaches and fans alike.”