The Canadian Olympic Alexandra Paul dies in car crash

Former Olympic figure skater Alexandra Paul has died at the age of 31, according to Skate Canada.

Paul, who represented Canada at the 2014 Sochi Games and finished 18th in the ice dance competition, died in a car crash Tuesday after police said a transport truck collided with a line of vehicles that were stopped in a construction zone in Ontario's Melancthon Township.

Paul's infant son was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said. Three other people were also injured in the crash.

"It is with a heavy heart that Skate Canada announces the sudden passing of a cherished member of our skating community, Alexandra Paul," Skate Canada said in a statement Friday. "A shining star on and off the ice, Alexandra's dedication, passion, and remarkable talents have left an indelible mark on the world of figure skating."

Ms Paul was a "shining star on and off the ice" who left an "indelible mark" on the world of figure skating, 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.

Alongside her partner and husband, Mitchell Islam, she won multiple international medals before retiring 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 in a statement.

"As we remember Alexandra's contributions to the sport, we also reflect on the camaraderie and sportsmanship she exemplified.

"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.

“To know Alex was an absolute privilege,” the skating school wrote. “Her kindness was deeply rooted and present in all that she did. We are devastated by the loss of this talented, loving woman; a mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend, Olympian, lawyer, and so much more to those of us lucky to have been in her presence. Alex will forever be in our hearts.”

Paul and Islam finished 18th in the 2014 Olympic ice dance event after placing third at the Canadian Championships for two consecutive years. They were the world junior silver medalists in their first season together in 2009-10.

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Sarah H

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