Neighbours and loved ones gathered Friday evening for a vigil to mourn the death of Jaxson Mansfield-O’Brey, a five-year-old boy whose life was cut short by a collision with a dump truck in the Overbrook neighbourhood. Read MoreJaxson Mansfield-O’Brey was killed after being struck by a dump truck while riding his bike in Overbrook on Wednesday afternoon.
Jaxson Mansfield-O’Brey was killed after being struck by a dump truck while riding his bike in Overbrook on Wednesday afternoon.
Article content
Neighbours and loved ones gathered Friday evening for a vigil to mourn the death of Jaxson Mansfield-O’Brey, a five-year-old boy whose life was cut short by a collision with a dump truck in the Overbrook neighbourhood.
Article content
The fatal collision occurred on the 300 block of Presland Road at around 3:40 p.m. on Oct. 15.
Article content
Article content
The residential street is often quiet, but recent construction has brought more traffic, including large vehicles, to the area. Children also often play outside in the neighbourhood, which has a nearby park.
Article content
Story continues below
Article content
It was near where Jaxson died that around 70 community members and loved ones gathered, holding candles and each other. Other children showed each other a photo of Jaxson, discussing how young he was.
Article content
The Evening Citizen
Article content
Jaxson had been a student at nearby St. Michael’s Catholic Elementary School. Before many in the crowd arrived, Catholic nuns paid respect to the memorial set up at a tree near where Jaxson was struck by the truck while riding his bicycle. Later, a women who said she knew Jaxson’s father led a recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.
Article content
“I know we are all mourning. It is very sad,” she said.
Article content
Ohers spoke about the life of Jaxson Mansfield-O’Brey. Children who knew him spoke of his kindness while acknowledging it “didn’t have to end like this.”
Article content
Throughout the evening, parents and young children approached a photo of Jaxson that had been leaned up against the tree, with other families placing bouquets of flowers.
Article content
Story continues below
Article content
Residents of the neighbourhood had previously told the Ottawa Citizen they hoped speed bumps or other speed-reduction measures would be installed on Presland Road to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.
Article content
Read More
-
Ottawa resident learns lesson after carbon monoxide scare
-
Audits must be in public interest, subjects of three Ottawa campaign probes say
-
Advertisement 1
Story continues below
Article content
Ismael Awaleh, president of the Overbrook Community Association, told the Ottawa Citizen there needed to be more safety infrastructure within the community.
Article content
“As a community association, we send condolences to the family,” he added.
Article content
Article content
Rawlson King, the city councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe and a resident of the community, was also at the vigil.
Article content
“It’s really heartbreaking when we lose a child in our community, especially a child that has been so loved,” he said.
Article content
King noted that the evening was not about politicians, elected officials or policy, but said “work needs to be done.”
Article content
He said he would be approaching the rest of city council next week with a written inquiry regarding safety standards for construction workers, particularly with neighborhoods densifying and undergoing more construction activity.
Article content
King also said the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre would be providing supports to community members, loved ones and residents affected by the tragedy as soon as next week.
Article content
Representatives of the family said an additional public vigil was to be held Saturday night near the family home on Prince Albert Street.
Article content
The Ottawa Police Service said the investigation into the fatal crash was ongoing.
Article content
With files from Natasha Baldin
Article content
Article content
Article content
Article content
Article content
Article content
Discover more from World Byte News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
4 Comments
**mitolyn**
mitolyn a nature-inspired supplement crafted to elevate metabolic activity and support sustainable weight management.
**zencortex**
zencortex contains only the natural ingredients that are effective in supporting incredible hearing naturally.
**yu sleep**
yusleep is a gentle, nano-enhanced nightly blend designed to help you drift off quickly, stay asleep longer, and wake feeling clear.
**wildgut**
wildgutis a precision-crafted nutritional blend designed to nurture your dog’s digestive tract.