Canadian figure skater Alexandra Paul died in a multi-vehicle crash in the province of Ontario last Tuesday. She was 31.
Alexandra was pronounced dead at the scene of the seven-car collision, which took place in Melancthon Township, approximately 60 miles northwest of Toronto.
Her one-year-old son Charlie was also in the car and was later hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Ontario Provincial Police. Three others were injured in the crash.
Skate Canada, the sport’s national governing body, mourned Alexandra’s passing in a statement issued on Friday, where they celebrated the ice dancer’s life and “illustrious career”.
“Her commitment to excellence was matched only by her warmth and kindness, which endeared her to fellow athletes, coaches, and fans alike.”
Alexandra represented Canada in the 2014 Olympic games in Sochi, Russia, competing with partner and future husband Mitchell Islam. The pair also claimed three Canadian Championship medals and were the 2013 Nebelhorn Trophy bronze medalists.
She and Mitchell began their on-ice partnership in 2009, when they were both still in junior leagues.
After their joint retirement in 2016, Alexandra earned her law degree from University of Windsor. She began her work as a practicing attorney in 2021.
Alexandra and Mitchell wed that same year and welcomed Charlie in late 2022.
Mitchell’s father, David, offered a heart-wrenching statement about their loss, where he said the “tragedy that befell the Paul and Islam families on Tuesday afternoon is unfathomable”.
He thanked people for their outpouring of support before asking to give his son “time and space to deal with the loss of his perfect partner and mother to Charles.”
A GoFundMe was set up to support the couple’s son. As of Sunday, it has raised $200,000 (£159,000), far exceeding its original $40,000 (£31,820) goal.