The Oakville community is heartbroken after the tragic death of eight-year-old Melody Xu, who was struck and killed by an SUV while riding her scooter with her mother.
A Life Cut Short
Melody Xu was more than just a victim of a terrible accident - she was a vibrant young girl with a passion for hockey and music. The St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Elementary School student played guitar and was an active member of the Oakville Hornets Girls Hockey team. Friends and family remember her as a smiling, joyful presence who loved dressing up for Halloween and being a big sister to her three-year-old brother.
The Tragic Incident
The fatal collision occurred on Thursday, November 6, 2025, around 4 p.m. on North Service Road near Lindsay Drive in Oakville. Melody and her mother were both struck by an SUV that veered off the roadway. While riding her scooter, Melody sustained critical injuries and later died in hospital. Her mother remains hospitalized, recovering from her injuries.
Halton Regional Police have charged 47-year-old Ajai Rana with dangerous operation of a conveyance causing death. He was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in Milton court on December 9, 2025. These charges have not been tested in court, and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.
Community Response and Support
The tragedy has deeply affected the Oakville community, particularly Melody's schoolmates and hockey teammates. The Oakville Hornets Girls Hockey Association released a statement expressing their profound sadness: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of our little Hornet, Melody Xu. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and her U9 Hornets teammates during this unimaginable time."
Halton Regional Police Chief Steve Tanner echoed the community's grief, stating, "Everybody is devastated. The first picture I saw was the one in her hockey uniform and it was so upsetting. Our deepest condolences go out to her family, her friends and her fellow hockey players." Chief Tanner also noted that first responders who attended the scene were deeply affected by the tragedy.
A GoFundMe campaign organized to support the family has raised over $224,000 to help cover medical expenses, funeral costs, and support the family during this difficult period. The campaign organizer, Ana Lopez, explained that the family faces not only unimaginable grief but also practical burdens including medical bills, funeral arrangements, and caring for their young son while the mother recovers.
Funeral arrangements for Melody remain pending as family members travel from China to support the grieving family during this crisis.
