Raha International School vice principal killed in Canadian road crash alongside parents

Tragic collision claims educator and her parents

The husband of Carol Pratt, vice principal at Raha International School Gardens Campus in Abu Dhabi, has disclosed that a road traffic collision in Canada claimed his wife's life along with her parents, while their teenage son fights for recovery in intensive care.

Steve Pratt shared the devastating news in a LinkedIn post, revealing that Carol died on Monday, July 20, during a family journey from Calgary to Estevan, a route spanning approximately 572 miles across the Canadian prairies. The collision also killed Carol's parents, Judy and Jim.

"I'm utterly heartbroken to share with you the devastating news that my beautiful wife Carol passed away last Monday, 20th July," Steve wrote. "Their vehicle was involved in a collision and only Alf survived. He is currently in the ICU at Regina but the outlook for him is, thankfully, very good."

Their son Alfie, who recently completed Grade 11 at Raha Gardens Campus, is receiving specialist treatment at Regina General Hospital, one of Saskatchewan's two tertiary trauma referral centers and the province's major trauma facility for southern regions.

Steve described his profound grief in the post. "At this moment I cannot imagine life without her. I simply cannot believe that she's gone and she's not coming back. I feel wretched with grief." He noted that his children, Ruth and Alfie, along with support from Carol's brothers, Dan and Jeff, were helping him navigate the tragedy.

School community mourns beloved leader

Taaleem, the second largest education group in the UAE which owns and operates Raha International School, confirmed Carol's death in a message to colleagues. CEO Alan Williamson acknowledged the triple family loss.

"Carol was an exceptional educational leader whose kindness, warmth and unwavering commitment touched the lives of countless students, colleagues and families," Williamson stated. He described her as respected not only within Raha Gardens Campus but across the entire Taaleem network.

The school, established in 2006 as Abu Dhabi's first institution to offer the full International Baccalaureate continuum from Early Years to Grade 12, serves over 2,200 students from more than 90 countries. It holds a Very Good rating from the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge.

Under Carol's leadership, the school's IB Diploma Programme achieved a 98% pass rate, consistently placing students among Abu Dhabi's top academic achievers.

Williamson said Taaleem would work with Raha Gardens Campus and the Pratt family to find an appropriate way to celebrate Carol's life and honor her contribution to education. He appealed for privacy as the family processes the loss.

Community tributes pour in

The announcement sparked an outpouring of remembrances from students, colleagues, parents and members of the broader Raha community, many recalling Carol as a compassionate leader who made lasting impacts on those around her.

Lise Taylor shared on Facebook: "Some of my best memories of time spent with Carol were during the staff pantomime a few years ago. We had a lot of laughs. She was not just an advocate of the arts but joined in at every opportunity, attending exhibition openings and performances not just out of duty but because it filled her with joy."

Wafa Marwan wrote: "I will never forget your last hug on our last day at school, or your smile that brought warmth to every morning. I will never forget your constant support and encouragement. You will always remain in my heart."

The family has requested that Carol's memory be cherished as they face what Steve described as an unimaginable loss.