The Oakville community is in mourning after an eight-year-old girl, described as a "little hockey dynamo," was struck and killed while on a sidewalk with her mother. Melody Xu died from her injuries following the incident on Thursday, November 6, 2025, on North Service Road near Lindsay Drive.
A Mother's Heartbreaking Goodbye
Melody's mother, Weihong Gao, was also seriously injured in the crash. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and not being officially released from hospital, she bravely attended her daughter's funeral on Thursday, December 5. With the aid of a cane, she entered the Saviour of the World Chinese Catholic Mission church in Mississauga to say a final goodbye to her "Sweet Melody."
Police described the scene as a "nightmare," with first responders reported to be facing post-traumatic stress. The family was on a regular stroll, with Melody on her scooter and her mother walking, when an SUV veered off the roadway and onto the sidewalk.
Charges Laid in Connection with the Tragedy
Halton Regional Police have charged Ajai Rana, 47, with one count of dangerous operation of a conveyance causing death. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Monday, December 9, 2025. Police emphasize he is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Melody's father, Hao Xu, who was not present during the crash, is described as "permanently wounded" by the loss of his daughter and the serious injuries to his wife.
A Community and Team in Grief
Melody was an active member of the Oakville Hornets girls' hockey association. Her teammates wore their jerseys in her honour at the funeral, and an outpouring of support has flooded online condolence books.
"I was one of Melody’s hockey coaches... It was a pleasure to see her transformation from a shy rookie to a girl who was consistently smiling," wrote coach David Pereira, who shared a photo of Melody in her goalie gear. Another community member, Nour Kaiss, remembered her as "a beautiful smiley little girl" who loved being on the ice.
Halton Police Chief Steve Tanner stated the "whole community is hurting over this." A GoFundMe campaign organized by Anna Lopez has been established to support the Xu family with mounting expenses.
Beyond hockey, Melody was remembered as a piano-playing superstar and a loving big sister to her brother, Aiden. The Oakville Hornets and the broader community are now working on plans to ensure Melody's memory lives on.
