Olympian, 31, dies in horrific multi-car crash as toddler son survives

A Canadian figure skating sensation has been killed in a horror car smash.

Alexandra Paul, 31, tragically died when an out of control truck ploughed through a construction area and hit seven different vehicles in the Melancthon Township, near Toronto.

Her 10 month old son miraculously survived the accident and was treated for non-life threatening injuries in hospital.

Alexandra was a "shining star on and off the ice" as a figure skater, Skate Canada said.

During her career, she won a silver medal at the World Junior Figure Skating Championships in 2010 and represented Canada at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games. She retired from competitive skating in 2016.

"It is with a heavy heart that Skate Canada announces the sudden passing of a cherished member of our skating community, Alexandra Paul, the organisation said.

"She was not only an accomplished athlete but also a true role model for aspiring skaters, demonstrating the values of resilience, perseverance, and sportsmanlike conduct."

Before the tragedy, Alexandra had earned her Juris Doctor degree at the University of Windsor Law School and was in the process of training to become an attorney for the prestigious law firm Barriston Law.

Alexandra was a "shining star on and off the ice" as a figure skater, Skate Canada said. (Image: International Skating Union via Getty Images)

Alexandra leaves behind her partner, Mitch Islam, and her baby boy, Charlie, with her friends setting up a GoFundMe page^[1] to support them through this difficult time.

The page has raised £206,298 as of Monday, 28 August, with the money to be put towards Charlie's future.

Her friends also want to ensure her widow, Mitch, can heal from his grief and not worry about working during this tough time.

A post on the fundraiser reads: "Amidst this heart-wrenching situation, Mitch Islam finds himself confronted with the daunting reality of raising Charlie as a widowed father.

"As the Paul and Islam families navigate their way through grief and begin the healing process, numerous friends have expressed a desire to provide more than condolences alone.

Alexandra is survived by her husband and son (Image: International Skating Union via Getty Images)

"To address this, we've launched this GoFundMe campaign—a chance to support Charlie and Mitch during this challenging period.

"We see this fund as a means to contribute to Charlie's future and offer Mitch the essential support to weather this storm.

"Your generous contributions will ease the financial burden on Mitch, giving him the necessary space to process his grief without the added pressure of an early return to work."

It adds: "Each pound you contribute represents a step toward a brighter future for Charlie—a future in which he can flourish, grow, and uphold his mother's spirit."

Her friends also described Alex as "a passionate, determined young lady who could illuminate any room she entered."

References

1. ^{^} GoFundMe page (www.gofundme.com)