‘Hearts were shattered’: Community mourns 5-year-old killed in Overbrook

A family is “completely heartbroken” after a young boy was killed in an incident with a dump truck last week.

Jaxson, known as Jax, was hit by the large commercial vehicle around 3:40 p.m. on Oct. 15. Emergency responders sent to the 300 block of Presland Road in the Overbrook neighbourhood said they started life-saving measures on a child immediately.

Paramedics said the child was in critical condition and kept up the resuscitation efforts on the way to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Mansfield and O’brey family write in a fundraiser for Jaxson that he had a “big beautiful smile” that would light up any room.

“His laughter was contagious, his energy boundless, and he had a special way of making everyone feel loved and happy just by being there,” the GoFundMe reads.

The family is in shock after the “unimaginable loss.” The money will go to covering funeral and memorial costs, aimed at giving “Jax the beautiful farewell he deserves.”

In the post, they explain that this tragedy left them unprepared for the expenses that followed.

“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, prayers, and support during this devastating time,” the family said.

Charges have not been laid, and the investigation is still active, Ottawa police told CityNews in an email.

Officials are encouraging witnesses who have not yet spoken to police to contact them at 613-236-1222, extension 2345.