Remembering Kelly King – A Shining Light in Kingston, Ontario
Kingston, ON – The city of Kingston, along with communities of scholars, athletes, and loved ones across Ontario and beyond, is mourning the devastating loss of Kelly King, who tragically passed away in April 2025 at just 26 years old. A beloved daughter, cherished friend, academic achiever, and accomplished figure skater, Kelly’s life was a brilliant tapestry of grace, intellect, compassion, and resilience. Her untimely passing has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who knew and loved her, but her legacy endures in countless ways.
A Bright Academic Light at Queen’s University
Kelly was a proud and accomplished alumna of Queen’s University, where she pursued her studies with both rigor and passion. A standout in her academic community, Kelly was recognized not just for her intelligence, but for her insatiable curiosity and willingness to uplift others in their educational journeys. Her professors and peers remember her as someone who brought thoughtful insight to every discussion, and who made learning a collaborative and joyful experience.
She approached her studies with the same focus and enthusiasm she brought to every other aspect of her life, inspiring classmates with her ambition and humility. For Kelly, education wasn’t merely a personal achievement—it was a tool for change, growth, and connection.
A Star on Ice
Outside the classroom, Kelly was a luminary in the world of figure skating—a sport that became her passion from a young age and remained a central part of her life. Known for her grace, precision, and powerful presence on the ice, Kelly competed in numerous regional and provincial events, earning accolades and admiration alike. But more than her medals, it was the joy she brought to the rink that people will remember most.
As a mentor and coach to younger skaters in Kingston, Kelly was revered for her patience, encouragement, and her natural ability to inspire. She made every skater feel seen, valued, and capable—leaving a lasting impact on the next generation of athletes. Her legacy will live on in the skates that take to the ice in her honor, each glide echoing her spirit.
A Heartfelt Loss for Family and Friends
To her family, Kelly was a beacon of love, laughter, and pride. A devoted daughter and a beloved sister, she brought warmth and light into her home and cherished every moment spent with loved ones. Her friends describe her as fiercely loyal, endlessly kind, and someone whose laughter could brighten even the darkest day.
She was the kind of person who remembered birthdays, celebrated your wins as if they were her own, and stood by you through life’s storms. Her presence was both comforting and electric—an impossible combination that somehow defined her.
A Legacy of Grace and Goodness
In the days following her passing, tributes have poured in from near and far. Skating clubs, university departments, and childhood friends have shared photos, stories, and heartfelt messages—each a testament to how deeply Kelly touched the lives around her. Memorials have been established in her name, including scholarships for young women in sports and education, ensuring that Kelly’s passion and spirit continue to guide others.
One tribute reads: “Kelly was the kind of person you hoped your children would grow up to be. She had a quiet strength, a relentless drive, and a heart full of empathy. The world was better because she was in it.”
Another family friend shared, “Her absence is felt in every conversation, every space she once lit up. But so is her presence—because the kind of love and joy Kelly gave doesn’t disappear. It stays with us.”
Honoring Her Memory
Plans for a public memorial service and celebration of Kelly’s life are underway, with the skating community expected to pay tribute through a commemorative event on the ice—one of the many places where Kelly’s brilliance came to life.
As the city of Kingston gathers to grieve, to reflect, and to honor her memory, one thing remains clear: Kelly King’s life, though brief, was one of remarkable depth and beauty. She lived fully, loved fiercely, and inspired those around her to do the same.
To her family, friends, teammates, classmates, and everyone she touched, we offer our most heartfelt condolences. Kelly’s light has not gone out—it shines on in every act of kindness, every graceful stride on the ice, and every heart that carries her memory forward.
Rest in peace, Kelly. You were—and always will be—a bright star.