Ottawa, ON – The Ottawa community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of five-year-old Jaxson Mansfield-O’Brey, who tragically died after being struck by a dump truck in the city’s Overbrook neighbourhood earlier this week. The devastating accident has left the community in shock, as family members, neighbours, and classmates remember a little boy whose laughter and kindness touched everyone who knew him.
In the days following the tragedy, a makeshift memorial has grown at the crash site — a sea of flowers, teddy bears, and handwritten notes left by grieving residents. Candles flicker each evening as friends and strangers alike gather to pay their respects to Jaxson, described by those close to him as “a light too bright for this world.”
“Jaxson was full of energy and love,” said neighbour Alicia Martin, who often saw him playing on the street with friends. “He was always smiling, always curious about everything. It’s impossible to believe he’s gone.”
At Jaxson’s kindergarten, teachers and classmates are struggling to comprehend the loss of their cheerful friend. The school has brought in grief counselors to help students and staff cope, and teachers have created a memory wall where children can draw pictures and write messages in his honor.
“He loved dinosaurs, story time, and making his friends laugh,” said his teacher Ms. Rebecca Lang. “Every morning, he’d walk in with that big grin and make the day brighter for everyone.”
Ottawa police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision, which occurred near Queen Mary Street and North River Road. Authorities say the driver remained at the scene and is cooperating fully with investigators. City officials are also reviewing traffic safety measures in the area.
As the community continues to grieve, residents are calling for greater awareness and safer streets for children. A candlelight vigil is being planned for the weekend to honor Jaxson’s memory and to show support for his heartbroken family.
“He was only five,” one mourner said softly at the memorial. “But the love he gave in those five years will stay with this community forever.”