BARRIE, ON. – A tragic accident in Melancthon Township claimed the life of 31-year-old Alexandra Paul, a former figure skating Olympian from Barrie, Ont. Alexandra was involved in a multi-vehicle collision while driving with her baby boy on Country Road 124. A transport truck entered a construction zone and collided with the stopped cars. Fortunately, her baby sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a children’s hospital.
Apart from Alexandra, three other individuals were injured, including a 67-year-old man airlifted to a trauma center. Originally from Midhurst, Ontario, Alexandra met her husband, Mitch Islam, at the Mariposa School of Skating in Barrie back in 2009. The couple participated in various ice dancing competitions, winning a silver medal at the 2010 World Junior Championships and representing Canada at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, where they achieved the 18th position.
In 2016, Alexandra and Mitch retired from competitive skating, eventually getting married in the fall of 2021. During the same year, Alexandra became an associate lawyer with Barriston Law, specializing in wills, estates, real estate, and corporate law. Joanne McPhail, the managing partner at Barriston Law, expressed deep sorrow at the loss of a dear friend and colleague. Alexandra was admired for her enthusiasm, dedication to her work, and love for her family.
A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to support Alexandra’s son, Charlie, and secure his future. Alexandra is remembered not only as a passionate and determined athlete but also as a loving daughter, sister, wife, and mother. The international figure skating community mourns her loss.
Witnesses to the accident can contact Caledon/Dufferin Victim Services at 905-951-3838, while anyone with information about the collision, including dashcam footage, is encouraged to reach out to Dufferin OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
The loss of Alexandra Paul has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, colleagues, and the skating world. Her legacy as a remarkable figure skater and a wonderful person will forever be cherished.