Oakville, ON — The Oakville and Mississauga communities are in mourning after the tragic death of Leandro Santos, a 13-year-old boy fatally struck by a GO train on Wednesday afternoon.
Residents of a Mississauga neighbourhood have been leaving flowers, notes, and other tributes at a makeshift memorial near the train crossing on Alexandra Avenue, where the incident occurred.
Family and friends confirmed the identity of the young victim as Leandro Santos. His family is deeply grieving, and the loss has left the community shaken. Speaking at the memorial in emotional words, the boy’s uncle expressed the family’s heartbreak in Portuguese, stating, “Right now, we’re not in the right mind to think of anything. It’s not easy. Right now, our hearts are broken.”
He went on to share that Leandro’s mother is currently in the hospital and that other relatives are travelling from Portugal to be with the family during this devastating time.
Residents who knew Leandro described him as a lively and spirited boy who was often seen riding his gas-powered bike around the neighbourhood. Russ Staples, who lived just two doors down, recalled seeing Leandro “buzzing around all the time” on his bike.
Staples admitted he had often worried that the boy might get hurt in traffic but never imagined such a tragedy would occur. “Everybody’s in shock,” he said, explaining how the community has been grappling with the sudden loss. Staples was among the neighbours who laid flowers at the memorial on Thursday, saying, “Just to show that we were thinking about him.”
Police reports indicate that the incident occurred around 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, when Leandro and another young child were riding a motorized bike and crossed the barrier onto the train tracks.
Constable Tyler Bell confirmed that the train’s warning signals were fully functioning at the time, with gates down, lights flashing, and bells ringing. Unfortunately, the children were not accompanied by an adult, contributing to the tragedy.
Witnesses across the street described the moments before the collision as frightening. Shubham Shubham, a nearby resident, recounted hearing the loud train horn immediately before the impact. He ran outside and saw one of the children screaming as the train approached.
Paramedics arrived quickly and performed life-saving measures on the children, but tragically, Leandro did not survive. Emergency responders continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
As news of the tragedy spread, the local community has rallied in support of the family. The memorial on Alexandra Avenue has grown throughout the day, with residents leaving heartfelt messages and tokens of remembrance.
Neighbours emphasize that the incident has touched everyone, noting that Leandro was a familiar and cherished presence in the area. His enthusiasm for riding his bike and interacting with friends is fondly remembered, highlighting the stark contrast between the ordinary joy of childhood and the suddenness of the tragedy.
Authorities are urging families and guardians to supervise children near train crossings and to follow safety protocols, particularly when children are using motorized bikes or other vehicles near train tracks. Meanwhile, Leandro Santos’ passing serves as a poignant reminder of how fleeting life can be and the importance of community support during times of unimaginable grief.
The Oakville and Mississauga neighbourhoods continue to mourn the loss of Leandro Santos, a young boy whose life was full of energy and promise. As family and friends from near and far gather, the community unites in memory, paying tribute to a vibrant life cut tragically short.
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