Toller Cranston - A Canadian figure skating legend and Olympic bronze medalist has died from an apparent heart attack, according to a Skate Canada spokesperson.
Toller Cranston, 65, who is renowned for his dramatic and artistic figure skating displays, was found dead in his home in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico on Saturday morning.
Toller, who was an avid painter, was born in Hamilton, Ontario in the late forties. He started skating at the young age of 7 and quickly won acclaim for his inventive choreography, which often included infusing dance and body expressions into his skating routine.
In 1971, Toller won his first Canadian national championship. He went on to claim 5 more of the same title between 1971-76. He also won a bronze medal at the 1974 World Figure Skating Championships, as well as two small medals for free skating in 1972 and 1974. But perhaps Toller's most recognized award came with his Olympic bronze medal in 1976. Although he never claimed gold at the prestigious competition, his inventive style of skating is thought to have deeply influenced the trajectory of figure skating.
Toller enjoyed a long and successful career that saw him appear on several television shows and movies until his retirement in 1997. Toller, who moved to Mexico after his retirement, focused on painting. He is said to have translated his eccentricity on the ice to painting and is credited with having his work displayed in many museums across the world.
Toller had been inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame, the Ontario Hall of Fame, the Canadian Figure Skating Hall of Fame, the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame, Canada's Walk of Fame as well as the Order of Canada.
Since the news of Toller Cranston's death was announced, many fans have paid tribute to him on social media. No funerary arrangements have been announced yet.
Toller Cranston quote about angels from Joan Wester Anderson's 1993 book #RIPToller #RIPTollerCranston pic.twitter.com/JCJL26BEjo
— Ryan Stevens (@ohh_n) January 25, 2015
The world lost one of its most innovative spirits yesterday. Toller Cranston was an artist in every sense of the word. He will be missed.
— Tessa Virtue (@tessavirtue) January 25, 2015
'Us Skaters' are so grateful for roads less traveled. Deeper ,edgier, cooler than frost -Toller Cranston. What a stroke of art.
— Ron MacLean (@RonMacLeanCBC) January 25, 2015
R.I.P. Toller Cranston (CDN), probably the greatest Artist on Ice ever, dies at 65. He was such an Inspiration! pic.twitter.com/FZ4qUrN5sc
— dieter chmelar (@chmelar_dieter) January 25, 2015
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