A former Olympic figure skater has tragically died after being involved in a multi-car crash, which her toddler son miraculously survived.
Alexandra Paul, 31, was in one of seven vehicles that was hit by an out-of-control truck that came through a construction zone in Melancthon Township, 70 miles north of Toronto, Canada.
According to reports from The Canadian Press, the truck allegedly failed to slow down in time before slamming into the row of cars at around 3PM on Tuesday.
While Paul was pronounced dead at the scene, her 10-month-old son Charlie, who was in the back seat, miraculously survived the ordeal.
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The baby was transported to a nearby children's hospital where he was assessed and found to have non-life-threatening injuries.
Three other people were also injured in the horror crash, including a 67-year-old man who was airlifted to a trauma center near Toronto with serious injuries.
Local outlets have reported that no charges have yet been filed against the truck driver, who has not been named by authorities.
Paul was a renowned figure skater, having represented Canada at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, alongside her husband Mitchell Islam, placing 18th in the mixed ice dance event.
The couple had started skating together in 2009, winning Canada's junior ice dance title in the same year, as well as becoming silver medallists at the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championship in 2010.
Islam and Paul won bronze medals at the Canadian national championships in 2011, 2014, and 2015, before retiring from figure skating in 2016 after winning a bronze medal at the US Classic International.
After retiring from competing, Paul earned her Bachelor's degree from Oakland University in Michigan in 2017, and she and Is;am married in 2021, welcoming their son Charlie last year.
Paul had been embarking on a law career after earning her Juris Doctor degree at the University of Windsor Law School in 2021, and worked as an attorney for Barriston Law.
Joanne McPhail, managing partner of Barriston Law, told BarrieToday: "The loss of Alex as a friend and colleague has been devastating to everyone at Barriston Law."
SkateCanada also paid tribute to the talented skater, saying 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."
A GoFundMe was set up to help support baby Charlie in the wake of him tragically losing his mother at such a young age, which reached over $204,000, surpassing its initial target of $40,000 in just three days.
The fundraiser added: "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.
"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."
Our thoughts remain with Alex Paul's family, friends, and loved ones at this heartbreaking time.
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