Memorial grows as community mourns Burlington child fatally struck down

A makeshift memorial has been created at the site where an 8-year-old girl was fatally struck by a vehicle last night (May 3) in Burlington.

Stuffed animals, flowers and toys are being placed outside of Burlington Central Public School by classmates and friends of the young girl who was killed after getting out of a vehicle to attend a school concert.

According to Halton Regional Police reports the child had just gotten out of her parent’s car and was walking in the school’s driveway when she was hit by a vehicle that didn’t stop and left the scene.

She was taken to hospital but did not survive.

A witness at the scene was able to get the license plate number of the fleeing vehicle and police subsequently made an arrest a short time later. An unnamed 21-year-old man has since been charged with failing to remain at the scene of an accident

“What took place last night was a massive tragedy,” said Const. Ryan Anderson of Halton police at a news conference outside of the school this morning. He pointed out that the charges filed against the person arrested fall under the criminal code.

“We are all devasted by what has happened at this school and to the school community. We are heartbroken,” said Colette Ruddock of the Halton District School Board. “We have our tragic events response team on site today. That is a very skilled team of social workers and youth counsellors who will be offering support to students and need. We also have our employee assistance team on-site to support our staff because this is as devastating to our staff as it is to our students”

Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward released a statement through social media offering her condolences to the family.

Last night, a very young member of our community died during a tragic incident at Burlington Central Public School. I am absolutely heart-broken and devastated, and on behalf of my Council colleagues and the City of Burlington, we are sending our deepest condolences and… pic.twitter.com/Tlbi0FYxN9

— Marianne Meed Ward (@MariannMeedWard) May 4, 2023